A Step Towards Urban Future
On July 25, 2024, Barcelona took an important step towards modernisation and innovation by approving a new ordinance that transforms the city's streets into urban laboratories. This initiative, signed by Mayor Jaume Collboni, aims to allow companies and institutions to experiment with innovations in mobility, environment, and urban planning in real-world settings.
Although arriving somewhat late compared to other Spanish cities like Valencia and Madrid, Barcelona seeks to position itself as an international benchmark in urban innovation. The Catalan capital aspires to attract private talent and become a space where ideas can be tested and evaluated. “We want to create spaces, physical or virtual, where things happen,” Collboni stated during his visit to the innovation factory Ca l’Alier.
The approval of this regulation was not straightforward; after analysing 65 objections to the proposed text, the PSC government managed to advance thanks to the favourable votes from BComú, ERC, and Junts. However, the PP abstained and Vox voted against it. With this ordinance, any private or public entity can request permission to use specific spaces for determined periods to carry out their innovative projects.
A notable feature of this regulation is the creation of the sandbox concept, which allows innovative projects to operate under a regulatory hiatus. This means that certain legal limitations can be bypassed as long as the general interest is prioritised and it is demonstrated that the project benefits society. Michael Donaldson, the general director of the municipal foundation BIT Habitat, leads this initiative that promises to revolutionise how urban projects are developed.
The Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning, Laia Bonet, expressed her enthusiasm for the possibilities offered by this new ordinance: “A range full of opportunities opens up.” However, she also acknowledged the uncertainties associated with it: “We do not know what or who will come.” As Barcelona prepares to receive innovative proposals, it is clear that this is just the beginning of a new era for the city.
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