Barcelona is establishing itself as a key tech hub in Europe. It offers an ideal environment for international nearshore projects. According to the “Digital Talent Overview 2024” report by Mobile World Capital Barcelona, the city has experienced significant growth in digital talent. Standing out for its highly qualified professionals and robust infrastructure.
Barcelona: A Growing Tech Hub for Nearshore Projects
2023 was a record year for the incorporation of digital talent in Barcelona, with 13,500 new professionals, reaching a total of 122,185 specialists in the ICT sector. This represents a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year and almost 55,000 new professionals since 2018. This growth positions Barcelona as one of the leading European cities in terms of technological talent.
Although the demand for digital talent in Barcelona has doubled in the last five years, in 2023 there was a 13% decrease compared to the previous year due to a decline in venture capital investment. Despite this decrease, the city remains a focal point for professionals in the sector. It has a market demanding skills in both emerging and established technologies.
Barcelona IT Talent Growth
Index of the number of people employed as ICT specialists and total employment, EU – Eurostat
Digital Talent in Barcelona: Key to Nearshore Project Success
Barcelona stands out for its diversity in the ICT sector, with 30.6% of women in digital professions, a significant increase from 22% in 2018. Additionally, in 2023, more than 5,000 professionals of foreign origin were incorporated, representing 33% of the total digital professionals in the city. This constant flow of international talent reinforces Barcelona’s ability to attract and retain the best talents in the world.
Education is crucial to generating new talent. In the 2022-23 academic year, 2,300 students graduated in ICT degrees and 1,881 in ICT postgraduate and master’s studies. Furthermore, the ICT Vocational Training programs have seen a 42% increase, with 4,100 people trained in the last academic year.
Nearshore Opportunities in Barcelona for International Companies
For companies outside Spain looking for a nearshore partner, Barcelona offers significant advantages. With an average salary in the ICT sector of €47,771, higher than the city’s average, and a growing supply of professionals specialized in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, Barcelona positions itself as an attractive destination for the outsourcing of technological projects. If you want to delve into the benefits of nearshore in Spain, we recommend reading our article on key benefits for the technological development of your company.
At Quantion, we have extensive expertise in nearshore services. We have helped multiple international companies develop technological projects in Barcelona. Our experience and deep knowledge of the local digital ecosystem allow us to offer personalized and high-quality solutions. Ensuring that our clients’ projects benefit from the talent and innovation that characterize the vibrant city of Barcelona.
