IMI

Barcelona is taking a step forward in innovation. The Municipal Institute of Information Technology (IMI) is turning into Barcelona Innovation and Technology (BIT), a body that aims to place the city at the forefront of the digital transformation. The change, which was unveiled at a conference with more than 300 professionals from the ICT sector, symbolises a clear commitment to public-private partnerships and the construction of the Barcelona of the future.

The Deputy Mayor for Economy, Housing, Finance and Tourism, Jordi Valls, and the manager of the organisation, Emili Rubió, explained the transformation at a conference held at the UPF’s Ciutadella campus. Before more than 300 audience members, and with the participation of 180 different companies, Valls highlighted that: ‘The name change is no coincidence. It symbolises what you are and what you are called to be: the engine of the city’s digital transformation’. Valls stated that the city’s initiative would not be possible without the collaboration of the private sector, an ‘essential part of the city’s digital project’.

The change still has to be approved by the Plenary Committee of the Municipal Council, although it has already received the go-ahead from the Economy and Taxation Committee and has passed the public scrutiny stage without any objections. However, the changes go far deeper than just the name. There are also plans for an in-depth update of the byelaws of this autonomous body of Barcelona City Council to adapt to the new times and situate it at the forefront of innovation in the field of IT and technology within local public administrations.

The new BIT’s budget will also almost double, going from 63 million euros in its 2021 budget to 113 million euros allocated for next year. However, the goal is to reach 130 million to reach 3.5% of the city budget, which would situate Barcelona near the levels of global tech capitals like London and Seattle.

Likewise, to support this change, BIT’s staff will increase almost 30%, going from 230 professionals in 2022 to 260 today and 300 planned for 2030.

A new organisational chart that expands the number of departments is not only a structural change; it reflects a shared commitment among all departments. During the second part of the event, five managers from the Institute, Patricia Moreno, Toni Solé, David Esteban, Enric Biosca and Isabel Escorza, explained how their area will contribute to making BIT the engine of Barcelona’s digital transformation:

– Technological innovation: promoting artificial intelligence with ethical guarantees, digital platforms, cloud technologies, technology in public spaces and advanced connectivity.

– Cybersecurity: creating a robust ecosystem to protect critical services and enhance citizen trust.

– Data management: turning data into a strategic asset available to both City Council and citizens.

– New relational model: promoting closer collaboration with the areas within City Council, integrating teams to grapple with challenges and generating new opportunities.

Interestingly, Barcelona City Council was the first local public administration to create an institute devoted exclusively to IT back in 1990. With this new change, City Council aims to once again place itself at the forefront of innovation among the cities of the world.