Catalonia has become a key region for Google. The rate of companies being created in the technology sector (16,711 in 2020 alone according to the latest CTECNO 2021 barometer) has finally encouraged the US company to open an office in Barcelona from which it can serve its partners and customers more closely, as well as boosting the Catalan digital economy and its internationalisation.

For Google, Catalonia is the gateway to Europe from the Iberian Peninsula, as well as one of the largest technology epicentres in the European Union. The number of jobs created in the sector, and the distinctive integration of digital technology into the economy and society, make it a strategic location for companies.

Digital transformation
Google's decision to open an office in Barcelona is in line with its commitment to digitalisation, which has strengthened the company's collaboration with the most important institutions and organisations based in the region. Located in the Spaces Plaza Universitat building on Gran Vía de las Cortes Catalanas, it will house up to 40 employees focused on helping partners and customers with their digital transformation.

Google's relationship with Catalan companies and institutions is long-standing. Its digital tools, advertising services and cloud solutions were already available, but now they will be closer to home. The emergence of native digital companies opting for cloud technology is one of the issues it hopes to address. It also aims to support the tourism industry, which accounts for 12% of Barcelona's GDP and is particularly in need of a digital transition in the wake of the pandemic.

One million euros for the climate
Google is also focusing on people, and has given one million euros to Barcelona through the ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Action Fund to accelerate projects that help curb climate change, ensuring strong growth to combat its effects and reducing emissions in cities.

The new office will also promote talent development projects to train people with no previous experience of digital skills. Google Career Certificates will help them enter the job market in high vacancy areas where companies sometimes struggle to find staff, such as IT support, project management and data analytics, to name just a few.

^{Photo: Google}