You can dowload a PDF version of the agenda here.
Executive Committee politicians and EDF political representatives only
Eurocities political leaders have expressed interest in doing more together on climate, including during discussions at the Executive Committee in Oslo. This session is an opportunity to follow up on that request in a political setting.
The aim is not to hold a general discussion about climate policy, nor a technical training on foresight. The aim is to use foresight methods to help political leaders explore how climate risks may evolve, what these changes could mean for city governments, and what kind of collective support cities may need.
The session will focus on questions such as: What climate risks will most affect our cities in the next 10–20 years? Are our current plans and assumptions still realistic? What do city governments need to be better prepared? How do we keep public support for climate action and adaptation? Where can cities work together more effectively, and how can Eurocities support this?
No prior knowledge of strategic foresight is required. The session will be practical and discussion-based.
You can read more about this session here.
A registration desk is open for all remaining Forum participants to collect their badge on the ground floor. There will be also a networking lunch served in the Foyer (4th floor).
First time attending the Economic Development Forum? This session is for you!
In this session, participants can gain a deeper understanding of Eurocities’ organisational structure and learn about the advantages of being a member. They will learn about the thematic areas of the EDF and the different opportunities that it offers for its members. Additionally, this session will provide a space for participants to engage in discussion with Eurocities’ team and voice specific needs and interests of their cities.
Auditorium
- Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona and Vice President of Eurocities
- EDF political Chair (name tbc)
- André Sobczak, Eurocities Secretary General
Room: Auditorium
- Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, European Commission (tbc)
Room: Auditorium
As the EU enters the next phase in shaping its next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), this session will explore the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and its role in strengthening Europe’s innovation, industrial transformation and strategic autonomy. Taking place just after the European Parliament adopts its position on the ECF, the discussion will bring together city leaders and policymakers to reflect on how the Fund can support the full innovation cycle—from research to market deployment—while reinforcing the crucial role of cities and local ecosystems in driving Europe’s long-term competitiveness.
Foyer (4th floor)
Room: Auditorium
Presentation of the Eurocities Monitor on Urban Competitiveness
- Prof. Dr. Willem van Winden, Professor of Urban Economic Innovation, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, EURICUR
Executive Committee politicians and EDF political representatives only
Deputy Mayor, Raquel Gil, and Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Commerce and Restoration, Nadia Quevedo, will welcome us to the Gothenburg Museum of Art at Götaplatsen for an evening of food and networking with fellow Eurocities members.
Room: Auditorium
Room: Auditorium
- EDF political chair (name tbc)
- Nadia Quevedo, Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Commerce and Restoration, Barcelona
Participants will be able to attend one of the following parallel sessions.
Lunch will be served in the Foyer (4th floor).
Participants will be able to attend one of the following parallel site visits.
Transport: On foot and private bus transfers
Poblenou neighbourhood was one of the most important textile hubs in Europe until the 1970s, when it started its decline because of the impact of successive globalisation waves in the manufacture sector. Since 2000, 22@Barcelona has transformed 200 hectares of post-industrial land of the neighbourhood into a fully functioning innovation district attracting a large critical mass of knowledge-based activities. This initiative has created a mixed urban tissue with the highest social mix in the city. The district features Barcelona Activa’s HQs, new office buildings with corporate HQs, refurbished industrial heritage buildings turned into municipal facilities, social housing with ground floor retail, business incubation and co-working spaces, university campuses, research and tech transfer centres, museums, parks and lively green axis.hub for innovation and urban regeneration.
Transport: On foot and private bus transfers
This itinerary offers a contextual journey through Barcelona’s local retail landscape, connecting tradition, community, and innovation within the framework of Barcelona as the 2026 Capital of Retail-Visionary Cities. The programme includes:
- An emblematic municipal market, highlighting the key role of Barcelona’s markets in supporting the local economy. These markets foster small businesses, promote local production, and create employment within neighbourhoods.
- An iconic retail shop, showcasing both innovation in the retail sector and the generational renewal of local businesses.
Transport: Private bus transfers
This itinerary explores Barcelona’s position as a leading hub for science, innovation, and digital talent, highlighting key infrastructures and initiatives that drive research excellence and skills development. The programme includes:
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC), Spain’s national supercomputing facility, specialising in high-performance computing (HPC). It manages MareNostrum, one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers, supporting cutting-edge research across multiple scientific fields.
- Barcelona Digital Talent Hub (BDTH), a city-led initiative coordinated by Barcelona Activa. Built through strong public–private collaboration, it brings together Barcelona’s digital training opportunities into a single, integrated, and inclusive ecosystem, aimed at developing and attracting digital talent.
Transport: Private bus transfers
This itinerary focuses on Barcelona’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0, showcasing how digital technologies are transforming industrial processes and production systems. Advanced manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, refers to the integration of automation, data exchange, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and cyber-physical systems to develop smart, interconnected factories. The programme includes:
- DFactory Barcelona, an international benchmark technological ecosystem for Industry 4.0, promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona. It brings together leading companies, startups, and innovation centres to foster collaboration, accelerate digital transformation, and drive the future of advanced industry.
Venue: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167
Participants will be able to attend one of the following parallel working groups meetings.
Room: Auditorium
Room: Auditorium
-
Chiara Venturini, Head of Economic Development and Digitalization, Eurocities
-
EDF Chairs
- Barcelona represantative TBC
Lunch will be served in the Foyer (4th floor).