The biotechnology
sector
in Barcelona
01. Barcelona, the Mediterranean’s innovation hub 05
02. 10 reasons to invest in Barcelona 06
03. The biotechnology sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 08
04. The top 10 strong points of Barcelona and Catalonia’s
biotechnology and biomedical sectors
01. The presence of large domestic pharmaceutical companies
and major international groups 10
02. Entrepreneurship and innovation in biotech and medical
technology companies 12
03. Network of leading hospitals engaged in research 14
04. Benchmark training and research centres in the life sciences ?eld 16
05. Barcelona Science Park (PCB): where research
and innovation meet, and the country’s ?rst bio-incubator 18
06. Barcelona’s Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a centre
for leading research groups 19
07. Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB):
research institutes and a bio-incubator 20
08. Large hospital research centres: IDIBAPS IDIBELL and VHIR 22
09. Biocat, promoting the Bioregion of Catalonia 23
10. Active government support for the biotechnology world 24
05. Links 26
Table of contents
Edition
Barcelona City Council
Economy, Business and Employment Area
Llacuna 162
08018 Barcelona
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
With the help of
Design and layout: g.gra?c
D.L. (Copyright): B-11044-2012
Barcelona, January 2012
05
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Barcelona, located in North-Eastern
Spain and on the shores of the Medi-
terranean, is one of the largest cities in
Europe and the centre of a vast metro-
politan region of more than 160 towns
with a total population of about 5 million
people. It is the economic, cultural and
administrative capital of Catalonia and
the principal emerging area of economic
activity in Southern Europe, with 17 mi-
llion people and 800,000 businesses. The
Euro-Mediterranean region, including the
Balearic Islands, Valencia, Aragon and
South Eastern France, is primarily spe-
cialising in new strategically competitive
international sectors, whilst consolidating
its position internationally as one of
Europe’s major regions.
We can ?nd the basis of economic
growth in metropolises with a poly-
centric and economically diversi?ed
business structure that facilitates and
helps incubate new ideas, products and
companies.
Taking into account the distribution of
gross value added across business activi-
ties, Catalonia is Spain’s top autonomous
region in the industrial sector, accounting
for 25.2% of the total market. In terms of
services, it is positioned second regarding
national gross value added generated
(19.5% of total). Catalonia accounts for
28.2% of all Spain’s companies in indus-
tries with high and medium high-tech and
knowledge-based services.
Moreover, the rate of entrepreneurial
activity in Catalonia in 2010 was 5.5%,
higher than the Spanish and European
averages, according to the Global Entre-
preneurship Monitor (GEM) 2010.
Barcelona’s international economic
activities are mainly driven by the Trade
Fair, the Port, Airport, the Zona Franca
Consortium, Barcelona’s Tourism Consor-
tium, Barcelona City Council and its new
technological innovation districts. As such,
and given the importance of innovation
in fostering competitiveness, productivity
and the internationalisation of companies,
the biotechnology sector is one of the key
sectors for Barcelona and Catalonia.
Catalonia’s bio cluster is one the most
dynamic in Spain, which overall happens
to be one of the most active areas in
southern Europe in this ?eld. And it is es-
pecially active in clinical research and the
human health care ?eld, with 90 research
centres and more than 400 consoli-
dated research groups engaged in the
?eld of life sciences; excelling in areas
such as oncology, bio nano-medicine
and cardiovascular disease. Catalonia
also boasts trained specialists that are
highly prepared for the future. Of the
twelve universities located on Catalan
territory, ?ve offer bioscience studies
and over 24,000 students have already
undergone training here.
22% of Spain’s biotech companies are lo-
cated in Catalonia; while 45% of Spain’s
pharmaceutical companies are based in
Catalonia, including the largest in the sec-
tor, which happen to all be Catalan ?rms:
Almirall, Esteve Ferrer, Grifols, Lacer and
Uriach. The Spanish pharmaceutical sec-
tor is Europe’s seventh biggest in terms
of production volume.
In the last ?ve years, according to the
2011 Biocat Report, over 450 Catalan
companies (biotechnology, pharma-
ceutical, medical technology innovators
and service sectors) have experienced
?uctuating growth rates between 15%
and 30%, which, given the current
economic downturn, shows the potential
of the sector.
Barcelona,
the Mediterranean’s
innovation hub
01
EURO-MEDITERRANEAN REGION
CATALONIA
BARCELONA
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02
10 reasons to invest
in the biotechnology
sector Catalan
Barcelona offers a va-
riety of characteristics
that make it an attractive
place to live, work and
do business. The biote-
chnology and biomedical
sector is one of the most
dynamic, offering some
of the best investment
opportunities.
06. Skilled professionals prepared for the future
Catalonia has more than 25,000 researchers (7% of the working population) based in
900 research centres, and of these there are 430 dedicated to the area of life sciences and,
on the other hand, 90 research centres dedicating around 50% of their work to the life scien-
ces area. Ten of Catalonia’s twelve universities –eight of these located in the metropolitan
area around Barcelona- offer bioscience studies: 155 courses taught with 24,000 students
(Biocat 2009 report). Two of Barcelona’s top four business schools -ESADE and IESE- are
among the world’s best 25. In addition, Barcelona has 34 international schools.
07. Excellent quality of life
For the 14
th
year running, Barcelona boasts Europe’s best quality of life for employees*. It
has a mild climate, sun, beaches, culture, splendid leisure time and arts programmes, a net-
work of 4,500 educational institutions, modern and accessible health system. It is easy to
get around on the public transport system and boasts beautiful parks that surround the city.
08.
Consolidated science parks and growth
projects
The city of Barcelona has six biotechnology-related science and technology parks (Parc
Cientí?c Barcelona, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Parc Barcelona Nord, Parc
de Recerca i Innovació de la UPC, Parc de Recerca de la UPF and 22@ Barcelona), in
addition to those in the surrounding environment: Biopol (Hospitalet), Parc Tecnològic del
Vallès and the Parc de Recerca de la UAB (Cerdanyola) and the newly created Parc de
l’Alba (in the ALBA Synchrotron environment, also in Cerdanyola) and Orbital 40 (Te-
rrassa). Lleida, Girona, Tarragona, Reus, Manresa also have science parks with activities
related to the sector.
09. Unique research facilities
The Mare Nostrum Supercomputer (Barcelona Supercomputing Center BSC), the Na-
tional Centre for Genome Analysis (CNAG) and ALBA Synchrotron-CELLS are three of
Europe’s benchmark research facilities that are located in Barcelona and its surrounds.
BSC, supported by the Governments of Catalonia and Spain, is currently developing the
PRACE project, which is designed to provide Barcelona with one of the most powerful su-
percomputers in Europe in 2012, and this should help develop and enhance both scienti?c
research centres and companies’ investigation.
10. Unique public-private cooperation
Barcelona City Council and the Government of Catalonia are committed to creating a
favourable business environment, with the success of traditional local public-private
partnerships being a key to the transformation of Barcelona to date.
*According to Cushman & Wake?eld, European Cities Monitor 2011.
01. Strategic Geographical Location
Two hours by road from France and one day by road from the major European
cities. The gateway to southern Europe, Barcelona boasts a major port, airport,
free trade zone, logistics parks, an international trade fair and a city centre all
within a radius of ?ve kilometres
02. Extensive transport infrastructure
With its network of highways connected with Europe, Barcelona has the fastest
growing European airport, Spain’s top port and the largest container port in the
Mediterranean; a comprehensive metro and bus network, and a high-speed train
infrastructure that is due to connect directly to the TGV and European network in
2013.
03.
Barcelona, center of a large, dynamic
and diverse economic area
The city of Barcelona and its metropolitan area have a total population of 5 million
people. This city is the capital of Catalonia, one of the most dynamic regions of
Spain, with 7.5 million inhabitants, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, a
large economic area with 18 million inhabitants. Barcelona accounts for 30%
of Catalonia’s GDP and has a growth rate of 1, 7% GDP per year (2008). It is
Europe’s sixth biggest urban agglomeration and its ?fth largest in terms of indus-
try density. Catalonia has nearly 7,000 businesses working in innovation related
activities, most of which are located in Barcelona and its surrounding area.
04.
Successful foreign investment and
recognized international positioning
Sixth best city for business in Europe*, Barcelona has the most foreign inves-
tment in Catalonia, which in 2010 was 3.999 billion, or 36% of all production
investment received by Spain. There are more than 3,400 foreign companies
established in Catalonia, 90% of whom are located in the Barcelona area, which
has established itself as a centre for multinationals’ European divisions. Its qua-
lity of life and human capital are among the most valued aspects of Barcelona
by foreign companies already set up in the city and in various other international
rankings.
05.
Leading position in the Spanish and
European biopharmaceutical market
Catalonia is home to 22% of all biotech companies in Spain and 45% of its phar-
maceutical companies; the largest in the sector –all Catalonian- are: Almirall, Esteve
Ferrer, Grifols, Lacer and Uriach. The Spanish pharmaceutical sector is ranked
seventh in Europe in terms of production volume. Catalonia also boasts 40% of
Spain’s medical technology companies, responsible for 50% of all turnover in the
sector (7.400 bn € in 2008), with 3% of this invested in R&D.
30%
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The
biotechnology
sector in
Barcelona
and Catalonia
03
Biotechnology is a key sector
in order to transform the
region’s current economic
model into a system based
on the knowledge economy.
The recession that began in
2008 has shown the im-
portance of this particular
sector, especially given the
fact that traditional industries
have suffered badly from the
severe downturn. In 2010,
the US biotechnology ranked
second in terms of inves-
tment volume -behind the
software industry- with nearly
$ 4 billion (3% more than
in 2009) and over 450 tran-
sactions closed. Emerging
economies such as China or
Brazil are also investing in
these sectors, with particular
emphasis on the industrial
and agricultural applications
of biotechnology.
Catalonia’s bio cluster is the most
dynamic in Spain, a country which
also happens to be one of the
most active areas of southern Eu-
rope in this ?eld. It has more than
450 sector related companies
(biotechnology, pharmaceutical,
medical innovation technology and
services for the sector), with
growth rates ?uctuating between
15% and 30% over the last 5 years,
and its 90 research centres and
over 400 research groups excel in
areas such as oncology, cardio-
vascular disease or bio nano
medicine.
This document aims to set out the underlying features of the current
and future biotechnology sector in Catalonia and Barcelona under
10 strategic reasons why:
01 The presence of large domestic pharmaceutical companies and
major international groups
02 Entrepreneurship and innovation in biotech and medical technolo-
gy companies
03 Network of leading hospitals engaged in research
04 Benchmark training and research centres in the life sciences ?eld
05 Barcelona Science Park (PCB): where research and innovation
meet, and the country’s ?rst bio-incubator
06 Barcelona’s Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a centre for
leading research groups
07 Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB):
research institutes and a bio-incubator
08 Large hospital research centres: IDIBAPS IDIBELL and VHIR
09 Biocat, promoting the Bioregion of Catalonia
10 Active government support for the biotechnology world
We have, therefore, a sector that
has huge potential for Barcelona
and Catalonia, and that has strong
points and resources associated
with its industry, research institu-
tions and government support – all
factors that foster innovation and
development.
8%
20%
13%
26%
Type of Company in Catalonia’s
BioRegió
Companies fully engaged in biotechnology 399
Companies partly involved in biotechnology 161
Companies that use biotechnology 535
Total biotechnology companies 1,095
Number of biotechnology companies in Spain
Source: Asebio 2010
Catalonia Madrid Andalucia Comunitat
valenciana
Pais Vasco Galícia
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
21.19%
Geographical distribution of biotechnology companies across Spain
14.43%
12.15%
9.50%
8.22%
7.40%
3%
Medical
technologies
Bioinformatics
Biotechnology Pharmaceutical
Food
Fine Chemistry
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10 principal
strengths
of Barcelona
and Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
04
Biotechnology plays a lea-
ding role in the pharmaceuti-
cal sector, even to the extent
that we talk about a conver-
gence of the two sectors.
The presence of drugs in
today’s markets that have a
biotech origin is increasing
signi?cantly, bringing out
new drugs that are more
speci?c and effective with
fewer side effects.
The Spanish pharmaceutical
industry is mainly concen-
trated in Catalonia, where
45% of the sector’s labo-
ratories are located, along
with 50% of production and
80% of companies working
in the ?ne chemicals sector.
In fact, Catalonia is the country-
of-origin of Spain’s top six phar-
maceutical companies: Almirall,
Esteve, Ferrer, Grífols, Lacer and
Uriach. In 2008, these companies’
spending on R&D stood at 381
million euros. This tradition, and
their dynamic nature, has attrac-
ted major foreign investments:
the Catalan region has about 70
pharmaceutical companies and
is home to ?ve of the world’s top
ten biopharmaceutical companies:
Amgen, Novartis, P?zer, Roche and
Sano?-Aventis.
The agrofoods business sector, with
strong roots in Catalonia and with a
huge growth potential, is also one
of the main users of biotechnology,
mainly in order to create more pro-
?table crops or plants that provide
the best quality products.
01.
THE PRESENCE
OF LARGE
DOMESTIC
PHARMACEUTICAL
COMPANIES
AND MAJOR
INTERNATIONAL
GROUPS
The world’s main pharmaceutical groups’
pro?ts, 2009 (in billions of $)
01 P?zer $45,448
02 Sano?-Aventis $40,871
03 Novartis $38,455
04 GlaxoSmithKline $36,746
05 AstraZeneca $31,905
06 Merck & Co. $26,929
07 Johnson & Johnson $22,520
08 Eli Lilly & Co. $20,629
09 Bristol-Myers Squibb $18,808
10 Abbott Laboratories $16,486
11 Takeda Chem. Ind. $14,204
The world’s main pharmaceutical groups’
pro?ts, 2009 (in billions of $)
01 Roche/Genentech $36,017
02 Amgen $14,642
03 Novo Nordisk $9,566
04 Merck Serono $7,454
05 Baxter BioScience $5,573
In bold type those with activity in Catalonia
Source:
IB09: Biocat report on the state of the biotechnology, biomedicine and medical
technologies sector in Catalonia 2009” (www.biocat.cat/publicacions/informe).
“2010 Top 10 Biopharmaceutical Companies Report“, Contract Pharma
(www.contractpharma.com/articles/2010/07/2010-top-20-pharmaceutical-
companies-report).
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The 480 companies that cu-
rrently make up the Catalan
biotechnology sector
(91 entirely dedicated to
biotechnology) were all set
up after the year 2000.
In the last five years, biotechno-
logy has grown between 15%
and 30%. AB Biotics (functional
foods), Advancell (nanomedicine),
Archivel Farma (therapeutic vacci-
ne against tuberculosis), Bioglane
(industrial biotechnology), Bioin-
genium (bioremediation), ERA
Biotech (cell technology), Immu-
novative developments (drugs for
inflammatory immune disorders),
Neurotech Pharma (multiple scle-
rosis), Omnia molecular (anti-in-
fectives) and Oryzon (biomarkers)
are just some examples.
What lies behind the growth of the
biotechnology sector is talent and
skilled human capital, and strong
collaborative bonds between acade-
mia and business. Catalonia has
12 universities with 177,000 degree
and masters students, accounting
for 12.5% of the whole Spanish
university system (2009-10 data).
Some 43,500 students were enro-
lled on postgraduate studies during
this period.
Regarding business schools, which
is often an indicator associated with
entrepreneurship, Barcelona boasts
two of the top twenty schools in the
world: IESE and ESADE (according
to the Financial Times 2011). In
addition, in 2008 Barcelona was the
third European city attracting most
international MBA students, only
beaten by Paris and London, accor-
ding to the aforesaid newspaper.
Catalonia accounts for one fifth
(20.98%) of all Spain’s biotech
companies, according to the latest
report by Asebio (Association
02.
ENTREPRENEUR-
SHIP AND
INNOVATION IN
BIOTECH AND MEDI-
CAL TECHNOLOGY
COMPANIES
of Biotechnology Companies
in Spain). According the Biocat
Report 2011, in Catalonia there
are 480 companies involved in
Catalonia’s biotech sector, of
which 91 are principally engaged
in biotechnology related business,
71 are pharmaceuticals, 106
are medical technology compa-
nies, 29 are in fine chemicals (a
major sector for the development
of active ingredients), 45 are
foodstuffs companies, 9 from the
biocomputing area, and the rest
are providing support services.
Of those companies in the R+D
area, 58.7% are working on red
biotechnology (health); 47.1% in
white biotechnology (industrial);
and 28.1% in green tehnology
(agrofoodstuffs), and 45.5% in
medical technologies.
04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
Sub-sectors of activity of the companies of the Bioregion
Industries of R&D
WHITE BIOTECHNOLOGY
YES
47.1%
NO
52.9%
YES
58.7%
NO
41.3%
GREEN TEHNOLOGY
RED BIOTECHNOLOGY
YES
28.1%
NO
71.9%
YES
45.5%
NO
54.5%
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
Source: Report Biocat 2011
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In Catalonia, there is a
unique form of interaction
between hospitals, univer-
sities, research centres and
industry in general, covering
all areas from basic to clini-
cal research.
Catalonia stands out in the
?eld of clinical research and
human health research. It
has a network of 215 hospi-
tals, 13 of which are develo-
ping outstanding research.
Amongst them, six are
amongst Spain’s top science
research producers.
The Barcelona area has a large
network of teaching hospitals too,
among them Hospital Clínic Provincial
de Barcelona, Hospital de Bellvitge,
Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron, Hospital
de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Hospital
de Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital del Mar
and Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, all
carrying out world leading research,
ranging from basic research to advan-
ced diagnostic and clinical research.
One example is a Hospital Clínic
research centre, the Centre for Inter-
national Health Research (CRESIB),
which leads the worldwide develo-
pment of a vaccine against malaria,
thanks to sponsorship by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation.
Barcelona and Catalonia enjoy an
outstanding tradition in quality clinical
trials. This region enjoys competitive
advantages in this ?eld because
of the quality research that can be
undertaken here, because of safety
and research effectiveness in terms
of patient selection and its compe-
titive pricing structure. Over the last
10 years, the Catalan public health
system has increased its research
trials by 95%, making Catalonia the
leading region in Spain in terms of
percentage points (52.4%), mainly in
phase II and III trials.
The private and public sectors work
closely together. There are nume-
rous cases of collaboration, and
these days hospitals themselves
are starting their own entrepreneu-
rial projects. Catalonia has seen a
number of companies that have set
up and become highly successful
across various therapeutic areas.
There is a sub-sector of services
companies of about 30 CRO (con-
tract research organizations) that
contribute to the development and
maturity of this sector in Catalonia.
03.
NETWORK OF
LEADING
HOSPITALS
ENGAGED IN
RESEARCH
04
CIBEK, a patronage initiative in Barcelona
Hospital Clínic of Barcelona
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
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04
mechanisms and work on applica-
tions for these cells in the treatment
of degenerative diseases.
Centre for International Health
Research (CRESIB)
CRESIB researches issues related
to the new international health cha-
llenges we face in the twenty-?rst
century. Since May 2010, CRESIB
has been part of the Barcelona Glo-
bal Health Institute (ISGLOBAL).
National Centre for Genome
Analysis (CNAG)
This centre is dedicated to the
study of sequencing, analysis
and interpretation of information
contained in organisms’ genomes.
10 years after the publication of the
?rst human genome sequence after
decades of research, CNAG can
now sequence in just a day.
Centre for Genomic
Regulation (CRG)
One of the main areas of excellence
that Barcelona boasts is research
is related to this centre. At CRG
they carry out basic research in
biomedicine, especially in the areas
of genomics and proteomics. Its
researchers and group leaders are
recruited and evaluated internatio-
nally, ensuring the highest scienti?c
levels.
Catalonian Institute of
Bioengineering (IBEC)
IBEC carries out research into bioen-
gineering all the way from its most
basic level up to medical applica-
tions; it has become an international
benchmark in this ?eld. Its location in
the Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
means it can keep up with this highly
dynamic area of life sciences.
Catalan Institute of
Cardiovascular Sciences (ICCC)
ICCC is located in the Hospital de
la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barce-
lona, and it conducts research on
cardiovascular and heart disease,
competing at the highest internatio-
nal level. The centre has been highly
successful at transferring research
into therapeutic developments and
diagnostics.
Institute of Biomedical
Research (IRB)
Founded in 2005 and located in
Barcelona’s Science Park (PCB),
IRB is dedicated to basic and
applied biomedical research. Highly
dynamic and working to the highest
international levels of excellence,
some of its main achievements
have been in the area of cancer
research.
Institute for AIDS Research
(IrsiCaixa)
It works to develop knowledge,
prevention and treatment of HIV
infection and AIDS, with the ultimate
goal of eradicating this disease.
Located in the University Hospital
Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona,
it conducts research in partnership
with Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic.
ALBA Synchrotron
Alba is a new generation synchro-
tron located near the Autonomous
University of Barcelona. The
synchrotron and the nearby new
Parc de l’Alba facilities have been
equipped to host researchers from
around the world that use X-ray
analysis on their samples.
Vall d’Hebron Institute of
Oncology (VHIO)
Recent years have seen key
?ndings emerge on the molecular
basis of cancer, and this has led
to new and better treatments for
this disease. VHIO is working along
similar research lines, providing a
common space for scientists and
doctors working on basic science
and clinical research.
The growth and development of the
biotechnology industry in Catalo-
nia is possible because there is an
adequate supply of science and te-
chnology parks suitable for business
incubation during their early stages
of creation. Of Catalonia’s 17 parks,
13 are actively involved in biotech-
nology and biomedicine. In addition
to providing science and technology
facilities, of?ces and laboratories,
these parks provide a meeting
point for research, innovation and
companies, as well as a competitive
environment, and support services
to help grow business projects while
also providing access to experts in
intellectual property and investors.
Catalonia has 430 research
groups and 90 recognized
research centres that are
developing activities in the
life sciences ?eld.
In Catalonia, training in life scien-
ces and healthcare in general has
increased considerably in recent
years, both at universities and
business schools in order to meet
the needs of a sector that is emer-
ging as a major economic driver
for the country. Ten of Catalonia’s
twelve universities teach studies
related to this area, although the
University of Barcelona (UB),
the Autonomous University of
Barcelona (UAB) and the Po-
lytechnic University of Catalonia
(UPC) account for almost 60% of
the training given in this field. The
number of students enrolled on
these courses is nearly 25,000.
Bioscience research is carried out
at 10 universities, with 25,000
researchers generating 25% of all
Spain’s scienti?c output and 57%
of its biomedicine publications*.
One important ?gure that shows
the degree of research speciali-
zation in Catalonia is the fact that
over 60% of centres do research
on human health, and over 70% of
all researchers working in the ?eld
of genomic science in Spain do so
in research centres in Catalonia.
Barcelona Supercomputing
Center (BSC)
Located in the emblematic Torre
Girona building in Barcelona, the
BSC-CNS (Barcelona Supercompu-
ting Center) is Spain’s National Su-
percomputing Center that plays host
to the Mare Nostrum supercomputer,
one of the most powerful in Europe.
Centre for Regenerative Medici-
ne in Barcelona (CMR)
CMR is located in the Barcelona
Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)
and principally researches human
embryonic stem cells to unders-
tand their basic development
04.
BENCHMARK
TRAINING AND
RESEARCH
CENTRES IN
THE LIFE
SCIENCES FIELD
Barcelona
Girona
Lleida
Tarragona
Vic
Cerdanyola del Vallès
Universities
Hospitals
Science and technology parks
*recent bibliometrics data, 2006.
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
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Science parks are catalysts
for regional economic
development and facilitate
the creation and growth
of new technology-based
companies, promoting
knowledge transfer from
universities to industry.
Barcelona Science Park (PCB) is a
recognised successful model. This
is the largest business incubator in
Catalonia and it produced the ?rst
Catalan biotechnology company in
2009; the Park also plays host the
latest science facility to be opened
in our country, the National Centre
for Genome Analysis (CNAG), which
together creates an innovation area
that currently occupies 60,000 m
2
.
PCB houses 75 companies,
9 technology platforms, 36 technical
units, 4 research institutes and
70 research groups. It also organi-
zes more than 120 activities a year
in order to promote a culture and
vocation for science, which involves
close to 6,000 people.
Founded by the University of
Barcelona in 1997, this was the
?rst science park to open in Spain.
These days it is regarded as a
benchmark for the international
promotion of innovation with over
2,200 employees. It is a model
for the creation and growth of
biotech SMEs and has contributed
hugely to a new innovation-based
economy.
One of its main values is its own
internal triple helix model (public
administration, business and uni-
versity), which is a key to compe-
titiveness in this sector with public
and private research and techno-
logy platforms. Within this same
space we ?nd companies, techno-
logy platforms and research groups
which enjoy full access to a wide
range of science and technology
support services.
Setting up the National Centre for
Genome Analysis (CNAG) within
the Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
–which happens to be Catalonia
and Spain’s newest facility–
re?ects the excellent results
achieved so far and its role as a
driving force in this area.
The Barcelona Biomedi-
cal Research Park (PRBB)
occupies 55,000 m
2
on the
city’s shoreline overlooking
beaches and next to Hos-
pital del Mar in the 22@
area. Here we ?nd scienti?c
experts, some working on
molecular analysis, others
in terms of the population
perspective. PRBB has
become one of the leading
biomedical research centres
in southern Europe.
Created in 2002 by the UPF, the
Autonomous Regional Government
of Catalonia and Barcelona City
Council, its expansion process en-
ded in late 2005 and now employs
over 1,300 people, the majority of
these foreigners (covering 50 diffe-
rent nationalities).
The scienti?c activities of research
groups that are working here
are grouped under the areas of
biomedical computing and the
biology of systems, epigenetics and
gene regulation, cell biology and
its development, pharmacology,
pathophysiology and clinical human
genetics and evolutionary biology,
epidemiology and public health.
The Park has also produced busi-
ness initiatives like the start-up qGe-
nomics and Chemotargets based on
science initiatives.
Barcelona Biomedical Research
Park (PRBB) has 8 institutes and
independent research centres
that have achieved excellence in
their ?elds, all focused on different
aspects of biomedicine.
- Municipal Institute of Medical
Research (IMIM)
- Centre for Genomic Regulation
(CRG)
- Institute of Advanced Technology
(IAT)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine
in Barcelona (CMR)
- Centre for Research in Environ-
mental Epidemiology (CREAL)
- Pompeu Fabra University’s De-
partment of Experimental and Health
Sciences (CEXS-UPF)
- Pasqual Maragall Foundation (FPM)
- IBE - Institute of Evolutionary Biolo-
gy (CSIC-UPF)
PRBB also offers four technology
service platforms, including the Cata-
lonian Anti-Doping Laboratory (IMIM).
05.
BARCELONA
SCIENCE PARK
(PCB): WHERE
RESEARCH AND
INNOVATION
MEET, AND THE
COUNTRY’S FIRST
BIO-INCUBATOR
06.
BARCELONA
BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH PARK
(PRBB), A CENTRE
FOR LEADING
RESEARCH GROUPS
04
The National Centre for Genome Analysis is one of the most
important centres for sequencing and molecular research in Europe
Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)
10 principal
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Catalonia’s
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and biomedical
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The UAB Research Park’s tech-
nology transfer services, and its
scienti?c and technical services are
available to researchers at the UAB,
CSIC and IRTA related centres and
institutes as well as other centres
and institutes that make up the
UAB Research Park, besides the
university’s own research groups.
Companies located in the Park and
those that have come about from
Park-related projects like start-ups
or spin-offs can also make the most
of these services.
The Autonomous University
of Barcelona’s Research
Park (PRUAB) is one of
Catalonia and Spain’s most
important business, industry
and knowledge generators.
The UAB Research Park was set
up in late 2007 by three leading
research institutions: the UAB, the
Council for Scienti?c Research
(CSIC) and the Institute for Re-
search and Technology (IRTA) in
order to foster, promote and impro-
ve the transfer of knowledge and
technology between universities
and companies.
In addition to the UAB’s own
departments and research groups,
the Park has numerous centres and
institutes located on its Bellaterra
Campus and at the Torre Mari-
mon Farm (Caldes de Montbui).
They all carry out research in ?ve
main themes: Biotechnology and
Biomedicine, Health and Animal
Production, Processing of Food
and Food Safety, Health and Beha-
vioural Sciences, Social Sciences
and Humanities and Science and
Technology.
Currently, the UAB Research Park
has 30 research centres and insti-
tutes and more than 4,000 resear-
chers. In 2006 it registered
60 patents and generated funds
worth 68 million euros.
PRUAB has 14 small and medium
sized companies located there in
various life sciences activities.
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04
07.
AUTONOMOUS
UNIVERSITY
OF BARCELONA’S
RESEARCH
PARK (PRUAB):
RESEARCH
INSTITUTES AND
A BIO-INCUBATOR
PRUAB Research Centres and
Institutes working in ?elds
related to biotechnology and
biomedicine include:
- CBATEG: Centre for Ani-
mal Biotechnology and Gene
Therapy
- CRAG: Agrogenomics Re-
search Centre
- IBB: Institute of Biotechnology
and Biomedicine
- INc: Institute of Neuroscience
- LP CSIC-UAB: CSIC-UAB
Laboratory of Proteomics
- ALBA Synchrotron
- Centre for Research in Na-
noscience and Nanotechnology
(CIN2)
ALBA Synchrotron
Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB)
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and biomedical
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04
Catalonia’s university hos-
pitals have a long tradition
bringing together excellence
in health care, training and
basic and related research.
This can be seen by the fact
that Barcelona’s principal
hospitals all have their own
research institutes.
In Barcelona and its surrounds there are
six hospital research institutes, ?ve of
which - Vall d’Hebron Researh Institute
(VHIR), Bellvitge Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBELL), Health Sciences
Research Institute of the “Germans
Trias i Pujol” Foundation (IGTP), August
Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBAPS) and Sant Pau
Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant
Pau)— are certi?ed as medical research
institutes by the Ministry of Science and
Innovation, a quality stamp awarded
by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, a
state support agency for research that
provides accreditation for institutes and
networks and focuses research on set
objectives, a mission that only one other
hospital in Spain, the Virgen del Rocío
de Sevilla, has.
Research institutes in
Barcelona’s hospital system
August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical
Research Institute (IDIBAPS)
IDIBAPS’ research focuses on six
main investigation lines and it aims to
integrate quality clinical research with
high quality basic research through its
60-or-so research teams.
Bellvitge Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBELL)
IDIBELL is a stem cell medical
research centre, including the par-
ticipation of the University Hospital
of Bellvitge, the Catalan Institute of
Oncology, the University of Barce-
lona and the Institute of Diagnostic
Imaging. The Institute is part of
Hospitalet’s Biopol’H health care
research park.
Vall d’Hebron Researh
Institute (VHIR))
VHIR is a biomedical research centre
working in the ?elds of diagnostics,
therapeutics and the treatment of
problems related to healthcare issues.
Besides this, the Institute is highly
committed to supporting entrepreneu-
rial business ventures that arise from
their research programmes.
The Sant Pau Biomedical
Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau)
The Sant Pau Institute for Biome-
dical Research carries out medical
research into basic, clinical, and
epidemiological health care issues,
and their investigation lines come
together in 10 of the highest quality
research entities. Occupying 6,000 m
2
of space, the shared research facili-
ties play host to more than 400 basic
scientists and clinicians grouped in
7 areas of research.
Municipal Institute of Medical
Research (IMIM)
The Research Institute of the Hospital
del Mar forms a part of the Pompeu
Fabra University (UPF) and boasts
350 researchers. Their research is
divided into ?ve programme areas:
cancer, epidemiology and public
health, in?ammation and cardiovas-
cular processes, neuroscience and
biomedical computing.
08.
LARGE HOSPITAL
RESEARCH
CENTRES: IDIBAPS
IDIBELL AND VHIR
09.
BIOCAT, PROMOTING
THE BIOREGION OF
CATALONIA
Created in 2006 thanks to the Gover-
nment of Catalonia and Barcelona City
Council, Biocat’s foundation gover-
nance structure includes extensive re-
presentation from the biomedical and
biotechnology sector, as well as the
Administration, universities, research
companies and support organizations.
Biocat promotes collaboration bet-
ween biocluster stakeholders and a
variety of other entities both inside and
outside of Catalonia, at the national
and international level. It offers ?exible
and innovative solutions to challenges
facing the sector, always pursuing the
highest quality and ef?ciency. The Bio-
cat action plan has a clear customer
focus, re?ecting a strong commitment
to its goals and people in general.
Its action plan is divided into ?ve
strategic priorities:
- Consolidation of Catalonia’s
biocluster
- Promoting business competiti-
veness
- Internationalization
- Training and attracting talent
- Generating a positive social
perception of biotechnology
To achieve its goals in the above
stated ?ve priority areas, it has
designed tailor made programmes
that address the needs and speci?-
cities of the sector, offering a range
of services that run from training
programmes to the publishing of
industry reports, organizing sector
meetings and providing support
in the internationalization process,
and even personalized advice for
companies, project start-ups or the
design of sector relevant strategic
initiatives.
Biocat, along with the City Coun-
cil, drives the city’s international
promotion as a place for biotech-
nology companies to set up via the
Barcelona Biotech brand and it also
establishes partnerships with coun-
terpart institutions and stakeholders
in the main international markets
of interest to promote exchanges
and cooperation between sector
members.
More information from
www.biocat.cat
Biocat is an entity that
coordinates and promotes
innovation into biotechnolo-
gy, biomedicine and medi-
cal technology in Catalonia.
Its mission is to promote
and energize stakeholders
operating in this sector and
develop related initiatives
in order to create the right
environment for a powerful
research system to ?ourish.
Other objectives include
helping to create active
knowledge transfers and an
entrepreneurial business
network so that this sector
can become an economic
driver for the country and
also so that it contributes
to the overall welfare of
society.
Over 600 representatives of Catalonia’s biotech sector meet every year for the Biocat Forum
Research Institute of the Hospital del Mar
10 principal
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Catalonia’s
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and biomedical
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04
Over the last 20 years,
Public Administrations in
Catalonia, Spain and Eu-
rope have made serious
commitments to promoting
science and technology, by
investing in universities, re-
search centres, talent, entre-
preneurship, science parks
and technology platforms
Barcelona City Council has been
promoting innovation in biotech-
nology via a series of action plans:
through its development agency,
Barcelona Activa, via initiatives
created by its innovation district,
22@Barcelona, and through its
employment support programmes at
Porta 22, besides the coordinated
actions of its management at the
Council’s Department of Economics,
Business and Employment. These
are aimed at highlighting the value
of science and Catalan innovation
while promoting the creation and
growth of companies involved in
biotechnology, biomedicine and
medical technology.
Investment in biotechnology,
whether it comes from the Spanish
Government, the Autonomous Re-
gional Government or the European
administrations, has grown at a
signi?cant rate with incentives for
research, training and recruitment.
In Catalonia, spending on internal
R&D has grown at around 12%
on average per year, rising from
2.107 bn € in 2004 to 3.286 bn €
in 2008, which represents 1.61%
of GDP (data published in 2010).
The Autonomous Regional Go-
vernment ?nances the sector via
its Department of Economics and
Knowledge, the Department of
Business Enterprise and Emplo-
yment, and the Health and Edu-
cation Departments. For example,
there are a number of program-
mes regarding ?nancing options:
AGAUR programmes (Agency for
the Management of University and
Research Grants), the SGR call for
consolidated research groups, or
ACC1Ó programmes (Catalan trade
and development agency that offers
10.
ACTIVE
GOVERNMENT
SUPPORT FOR THE
BIOTECHNOLOGY
WORLD
businesses a number of ?nancing
alternatives like risk capital lines,
loans, guarantees, share swop loans,
subsidies and tax incentives for
R&D…). In 2009 ACC1Ó spent up
to 6.7 million euros on this sector:
a million euros on research centre
projects, 4.1 million in grants for
R&D in pharmaceutical, biotech
and medical technology companies
and the rest on support structures
(2009).
The Catalan government also
supports investment in Catalonia via
its Invest in Catalonia agency, which
offers services to companies with
solid and stable investment projects.
These services include help and
assistance at different levels and
advice on incentives and ?nancing,
or re-investment, or capital expan-
sions, etc..
Meanwhile, the Catalan Institute of
Finance has placed 27 million euros
in venture capital funds that invest
exclusively or partially in this sector.
At the state level, we have grants
like Neotec, Pro?t, Torres Quevedo,
Cenit, Consolidar and Ciber, the
?nancing of Genoma España and
subsidies from ICEX to business
associations in the sector. One of
the latest programmes is the sub-
programme Severo Ochoa that is
designed to encourage research
excellence in Spanish State uni-
versity departments or institutes,
foundations, and centres, institutes
and public agencies.
As regards talent, one highly notable
example of support measures is the
Autonomous Regional Government
of Catalonia’s ICREA programme,
which has hired 250 researchers in
different areas, with 31% of these
working in the ?eld of life sciences
and health sciences.
Within each community, council,
university, hospital, etc., we can
?nd institutions and development
agencies (in Catalonia, ACC1Ó
and Barcelona Activa), evaluation,
technology transfer and entrepre-
neurship entities (like OTRI, eva-
luation structures of research done
in hospitals and universities, and
technology springboards, etc..) that
are developing the consolidation of
knowledge in biosciences. These
are promoting the sector –along
with the coordinated support and
promotional zeal of the biocluster
management team (Biocat)-, so as
to create a true driver of the eco-
nomy and an opportunity to make
the quality of life of society better.
The HQ of the Economic, Business and Employment Area and Barcelona Activa in Barcelona’s 22@ area
10 principal
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Catalonia’s
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and biomedical
sectors
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Links
05
22@Barcelona
www.22barcelona.com
ACC1Ó-Generalitat de Catalunya
(Catalan Government)
www.acc10.cat
Management Agency of University and
Research Grants (AGAUR)
www.gencat.cat/agaur
Department of Economics, Business
and Employment – Barcelona City
Council
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
Asebio
www.asebio.com
Barcelona Activa
www.barcelonactiva.cat
Barcelona Supercomputing
Center (BSC)
www.bsc.es
Biocat
www.biocat.cat
Catalonia Bio
www.cataloniabio.org
Centre for Biomedical Research
Esther Koplowitz (CIBEK)
www.cibek.org
Research Center for Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology (CINC2)
www.cin2.es
Centre for Animal Biotechnology and
Gene Therapy (CBATEG)
www.cbateg.net (under construction)
Centre for Regenerative Medicine in
Barcelona (CMRB)
www.cmrbarcelona.eu
Centre for Research in Agricultural
Genomics
www.cragenomica.es
Centre for Research in Environmental
Epidemiology (CREAL)
www.creal.cat
Barcelona Centre for International
Health Research (CRESIB)
www.cresib.cat
Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)
www.crg.es
National Centre for Genome
Analysis (CNAG)
www.cnag.cat
Higher Research Council (CSIC)
www.dicat.csic.es
ESADE Business School
www.esade.edu
Genoma España
www.gen-es.org
Hospital Clínic i Provincial de
Barcelona
www.hospitalclinic.org
Hospital de la Santa Creu i
Sant Pau
www.santpau.es
Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron
www.vhebron.net
Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu
www.hsjdbcn.org
Hospital del Mar (IMAS)
www.parcdesalutmar.cat/hospitals/
hospital-del-mar
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
www.bellvitgehospital.cat
Hospital Universitari Germans
Trias i Pujol
www.gencat.cat/ics/germanstrias
IESE Business School
www.iese.edu
Catalan Institute for Research and
Advanced Studies (ICREA)
www.icrea.cat
Catalan Institute of Cardiovascular
Sciences (ICCC)
www.iccc.cat
Catalan Institute of Finance
www.ic?nances.com
Institute of High Technology
(IAT)
www.crccorp.es
Bellvitge Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBELL)
www.idibell.cat
Biomedical Research Institute
at Sant Pau Hospital (Sant Pau
IIB)
www.iibsantpau.cat
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology
(VHIO)
www.vhio.net
Institute for Bioengineering of
Catalonia (IBEC)
www.ibecbarcelona.eu
Barcelona Institute of Molecular
Biology (IBMB)
www.ibmb.csic.es
Institute of Biotechnology and
Biomedicine (IBB)http://ibb.uab.es
Institute of Neurosciencehttp://inc.uab.cat
Barcelona Institute for Biomedical
Research (IRB)
www.irbbarcelona.org
The AIDS Research Institute
(IrsiCaixa)
www.irsicaixa.org
Institute for Research and
Technology (IRTA)
www.irta.es
Global Health Institute of Barcelona
(ISGLOBAL)
www.isglobal.es
August Pi i Sunyer Institute of
Biomedical Research (IDIBAPS)
www.idibaps.org
Institut Municipal d’Investigació
Mèdica (IMIM)
www.imim.es
Carlos III Health Institute
www.isciii.es
Laboratory of Proteomics CSIC-UAB
(LPCSIC-UAB)http://proteomica.uab.cat
Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
www.pcb.ub.edu
Parc de l’Alba
www.parcdelalba.com
Barcelona Biomedical Research
Park (PRBB)
www.prbb.org
UAB Research Park (PRUAB)http://parc.uab.es
ALBA Synchrotron
www.cells.es
Vall d’Hebron Research Institute
(VHIR)
www.ir.vhebron.net
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
With co-?nancing
doc_717017424.pdf
sector
in Barcelona
01. Barcelona, the Mediterranean’s innovation hub 05
02. 10 reasons to invest in Barcelona 06
03. The biotechnology sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 08
04. The top 10 strong points of Barcelona and Catalonia’s
biotechnology and biomedical sectors
01. The presence of large domestic pharmaceutical companies
and major international groups 10
02. Entrepreneurship and innovation in biotech and medical
technology companies 12
03. Network of leading hospitals engaged in research 14
04. Benchmark training and research centres in the life sciences ?eld 16
05. Barcelona Science Park (PCB): where research
and innovation meet, and the country’s ?rst bio-incubator 18
06. Barcelona’s Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a centre
for leading research groups 19
07. Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB):
research institutes and a bio-incubator 20
08. Large hospital research centres: IDIBAPS IDIBELL and VHIR 22
09. Biocat, promoting the Bioregion of Catalonia 23
10. Active government support for the biotechnology world 24
05. Links 26
Table of contents
Edition
Barcelona City Council
Economy, Business and Employment Area
Llacuna 162
08018 Barcelona
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
With the help of
Design and layout: g.gra?c
D.L. (Copyright): B-11044-2012
Barcelona, January 2012
05
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Barcelona, located in North-Eastern
Spain and on the shores of the Medi-
terranean, is one of the largest cities in
Europe and the centre of a vast metro-
politan region of more than 160 towns
with a total population of about 5 million
people. It is the economic, cultural and
administrative capital of Catalonia and
the principal emerging area of economic
activity in Southern Europe, with 17 mi-
llion people and 800,000 businesses. The
Euro-Mediterranean region, including the
Balearic Islands, Valencia, Aragon and
South Eastern France, is primarily spe-
cialising in new strategically competitive
international sectors, whilst consolidating
its position internationally as one of
Europe’s major regions.
We can ?nd the basis of economic
growth in metropolises with a poly-
centric and economically diversi?ed
business structure that facilitates and
helps incubate new ideas, products and
companies.
Taking into account the distribution of
gross value added across business activi-
ties, Catalonia is Spain’s top autonomous
region in the industrial sector, accounting
for 25.2% of the total market. In terms of
services, it is positioned second regarding
national gross value added generated
(19.5% of total). Catalonia accounts for
28.2% of all Spain’s companies in indus-
tries with high and medium high-tech and
knowledge-based services.
Moreover, the rate of entrepreneurial
activity in Catalonia in 2010 was 5.5%,
higher than the Spanish and European
averages, according to the Global Entre-
preneurship Monitor (GEM) 2010.
Barcelona’s international economic
activities are mainly driven by the Trade
Fair, the Port, Airport, the Zona Franca
Consortium, Barcelona’s Tourism Consor-
tium, Barcelona City Council and its new
technological innovation districts. As such,
and given the importance of innovation
in fostering competitiveness, productivity
and the internationalisation of companies,
the biotechnology sector is one of the key
sectors for Barcelona and Catalonia.
Catalonia’s bio cluster is one the most
dynamic in Spain, which overall happens
to be one of the most active areas in
southern Europe in this ?eld. And it is es-
pecially active in clinical research and the
human health care ?eld, with 90 research
centres and more than 400 consoli-
dated research groups engaged in the
?eld of life sciences; excelling in areas
such as oncology, bio nano-medicine
and cardiovascular disease. Catalonia
also boasts trained specialists that are
highly prepared for the future. Of the
twelve universities located on Catalan
territory, ?ve offer bioscience studies
and over 24,000 students have already
undergone training here.
22% of Spain’s biotech companies are lo-
cated in Catalonia; while 45% of Spain’s
pharmaceutical companies are based in
Catalonia, including the largest in the sec-
tor, which happen to all be Catalan ?rms:
Almirall, Esteve Ferrer, Grifols, Lacer and
Uriach. The Spanish pharmaceutical sec-
tor is Europe’s seventh biggest in terms
of production volume.
In the last ?ve years, according to the
2011 Biocat Report, over 450 Catalan
companies (biotechnology, pharma-
ceutical, medical technology innovators
and service sectors) have experienced
?uctuating growth rates between 15%
and 30%, which, given the current
economic downturn, shows the potential
of the sector.
Barcelona,
the Mediterranean’s
innovation hub
01
EURO-MEDITERRANEAN REGION
CATALONIA
BARCELONA
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02
10 reasons to invest
in the biotechnology
sector Catalan
Barcelona offers a va-
riety of characteristics
that make it an attractive
place to live, work and
do business. The biote-
chnology and biomedical
sector is one of the most
dynamic, offering some
of the best investment
opportunities.
06. Skilled professionals prepared for the future
Catalonia has more than 25,000 researchers (7% of the working population) based in
900 research centres, and of these there are 430 dedicated to the area of life sciences and,
on the other hand, 90 research centres dedicating around 50% of their work to the life scien-
ces area. Ten of Catalonia’s twelve universities –eight of these located in the metropolitan
area around Barcelona- offer bioscience studies: 155 courses taught with 24,000 students
(Biocat 2009 report). Two of Barcelona’s top four business schools -ESADE and IESE- are
among the world’s best 25. In addition, Barcelona has 34 international schools.
07. Excellent quality of life
For the 14
th
year running, Barcelona boasts Europe’s best quality of life for employees*. It
has a mild climate, sun, beaches, culture, splendid leisure time and arts programmes, a net-
work of 4,500 educational institutions, modern and accessible health system. It is easy to
get around on the public transport system and boasts beautiful parks that surround the city.
08.
Consolidated science parks and growth
projects
The city of Barcelona has six biotechnology-related science and technology parks (Parc
Cientí?c Barcelona, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Parc Barcelona Nord, Parc
de Recerca i Innovació de la UPC, Parc de Recerca de la UPF and 22@ Barcelona), in
addition to those in the surrounding environment: Biopol (Hospitalet), Parc Tecnològic del
Vallès and the Parc de Recerca de la UAB (Cerdanyola) and the newly created Parc de
l’Alba (in the ALBA Synchrotron environment, also in Cerdanyola) and Orbital 40 (Te-
rrassa). Lleida, Girona, Tarragona, Reus, Manresa also have science parks with activities
related to the sector.
09. Unique research facilities
The Mare Nostrum Supercomputer (Barcelona Supercomputing Center BSC), the Na-
tional Centre for Genome Analysis (CNAG) and ALBA Synchrotron-CELLS are three of
Europe’s benchmark research facilities that are located in Barcelona and its surrounds.
BSC, supported by the Governments of Catalonia and Spain, is currently developing the
PRACE project, which is designed to provide Barcelona with one of the most powerful su-
percomputers in Europe in 2012, and this should help develop and enhance both scienti?c
research centres and companies’ investigation.
10. Unique public-private cooperation
Barcelona City Council and the Government of Catalonia are committed to creating a
favourable business environment, with the success of traditional local public-private
partnerships being a key to the transformation of Barcelona to date.
*According to Cushman & Wake?eld, European Cities Monitor 2011.
01. Strategic Geographical Location
Two hours by road from France and one day by road from the major European
cities. The gateway to southern Europe, Barcelona boasts a major port, airport,
free trade zone, logistics parks, an international trade fair and a city centre all
within a radius of ?ve kilometres
02. Extensive transport infrastructure
With its network of highways connected with Europe, Barcelona has the fastest
growing European airport, Spain’s top port and the largest container port in the
Mediterranean; a comprehensive metro and bus network, and a high-speed train
infrastructure that is due to connect directly to the TGV and European network in
2013.
03.
Barcelona, center of a large, dynamic
and diverse economic area
The city of Barcelona and its metropolitan area have a total population of 5 million
people. This city is the capital of Catalonia, one of the most dynamic regions of
Spain, with 7.5 million inhabitants, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, a
large economic area with 18 million inhabitants. Barcelona accounts for 30%
of Catalonia’s GDP and has a growth rate of 1, 7% GDP per year (2008). It is
Europe’s sixth biggest urban agglomeration and its ?fth largest in terms of indus-
try density. Catalonia has nearly 7,000 businesses working in innovation related
activities, most of which are located in Barcelona and its surrounding area.
04.
Successful foreign investment and
recognized international positioning
Sixth best city for business in Europe*, Barcelona has the most foreign inves-
tment in Catalonia, which in 2010 was 3.999 billion, or 36% of all production
investment received by Spain. There are more than 3,400 foreign companies
established in Catalonia, 90% of whom are located in the Barcelona area, which
has established itself as a centre for multinationals’ European divisions. Its qua-
lity of life and human capital are among the most valued aspects of Barcelona
by foreign companies already set up in the city and in various other international
rankings.
05.
Leading position in the Spanish and
European biopharmaceutical market
Catalonia is home to 22% of all biotech companies in Spain and 45% of its phar-
maceutical companies; the largest in the sector –all Catalonian- are: Almirall, Esteve
Ferrer, Grifols, Lacer and Uriach. The Spanish pharmaceutical sector is ranked
seventh in Europe in terms of production volume. Catalonia also boasts 40% of
Spain’s medical technology companies, responsible for 50% of all turnover in the
sector (7.400 bn € in 2008), with 3% of this invested in R&D.
30%
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The
biotechnology
sector in
Barcelona
and Catalonia
03
Biotechnology is a key sector
in order to transform the
region’s current economic
model into a system based
on the knowledge economy.
The recession that began in
2008 has shown the im-
portance of this particular
sector, especially given the
fact that traditional industries
have suffered badly from the
severe downturn. In 2010,
the US biotechnology ranked
second in terms of inves-
tment volume -behind the
software industry- with nearly
$ 4 billion (3% more than
in 2009) and over 450 tran-
sactions closed. Emerging
economies such as China or
Brazil are also investing in
these sectors, with particular
emphasis on the industrial
and agricultural applications
of biotechnology.
Catalonia’s bio cluster is the most
dynamic in Spain, a country which
also happens to be one of the
most active areas of southern Eu-
rope in this ?eld. It has more than
450 sector related companies
(biotechnology, pharmaceutical,
medical innovation technology and
services for the sector), with
growth rates ?uctuating between
15% and 30% over the last 5 years,
and its 90 research centres and
over 400 research groups excel in
areas such as oncology, cardio-
vascular disease or bio nano
medicine.
This document aims to set out the underlying features of the current
and future biotechnology sector in Catalonia and Barcelona under
10 strategic reasons why:
01 The presence of large domestic pharmaceutical companies and
major international groups
02 Entrepreneurship and innovation in biotech and medical technolo-
gy companies
03 Network of leading hospitals engaged in research
04 Benchmark training and research centres in the life sciences ?eld
05 Barcelona Science Park (PCB): where research and innovation
meet, and the country’s ?rst bio-incubator
06 Barcelona’s Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a centre for
leading research groups
07 Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB):
research institutes and a bio-incubator
08 Large hospital research centres: IDIBAPS IDIBELL and VHIR
09 Biocat, promoting the Bioregion of Catalonia
10 Active government support for the biotechnology world
We have, therefore, a sector that
has huge potential for Barcelona
and Catalonia, and that has strong
points and resources associated
with its industry, research institu-
tions and government support – all
factors that foster innovation and
development.
8%
20%
13%
26%
Type of Company in Catalonia’s
BioRegió
Companies fully engaged in biotechnology 399
Companies partly involved in biotechnology 161
Companies that use biotechnology 535
Total biotechnology companies 1,095
Number of biotechnology companies in Spain
Source: Asebio 2010
Catalonia Madrid Andalucia Comunitat
valenciana
Pais Vasco Galícia
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
21.19%
Geographical distribution of biotechnology companies across Spain
14.43%
12.15%
9.50%
8.22%
7.40%
3%
Medical
technologies
Bioinformatics
Biotechnology Pharmaceutical
Food
Fine Chemistry
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10 principal
strengths
of Barcelona
and Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
04
Biotechnology plays a lea-
ding role in the pharmaceuti-
cal sector, even to the extent
that we talk about a conver-
gence of the two sectors.
The presence of drugs in
today’s markets that have a
biotech origin is increasing
signi?cantly, bringing out
new drugs that are more
speci?c and effective with
fewer side effects.
The Spanish pharmaceutical
industry is mainly concen-
trated in Catalonia, where
45% of the sector’s labo-
ratories are located, along
with 50% of production and
80% of companies working
in the ?ne chemicals sector.
In fact, Catalonia is the country-
of-origin of Spain’s top six phar-
maceutical companies: Almirall,
Esteve, Ferrer, Grífols, Lacer and
Uriach. In 2008, these companies’
spending on R&D stood at 381
million euros. This tradition, and
their dynamic nature, has attrac-
ted major foreign investments:
the Catalan region has about 70
pharmaceutical companies and
is home to ?ve of the world’s top
ten biopharmaceutical companies:
Amgen, Novartis, P?zer, Roche and
Sano?-Aventis.
The agrofoods business sector, with
strong roots in Catalonia and with a
huge growth potential, is also one
of the main users of biotechnology,
mainly in order to create more pro-
?table crops or plants that provide
the best quality products.
01.
THE PRESENCE
OF LARGE
DOMESTIC
PHARMACEUTICAL
COMPANIES
AND MAJOR
INTERNATIONAL
GROUPS
The world’s main pharmaceutical groups’
pro?ts, 2009 (in billions of $)
01 P?zer $45,448
02 Sano?-Aventis $40,871
03 Novartis $38,455
04 GlaxoSmithKline $36,746
05 AstraZeneca $31,905
06 Merck & Co. $26,929
07 Johnson & Johnson $22,520
08 Eli Lilly & Co. $20,629
09 Bristol-Myers Squibb $18,808
10 Abbott Laboratories $16,486
11 Takeda Chem. Ind. $14,204
The world’s main pharmaceutical groups’
pro?ts, 2009 (in billions of $)
01 Roche/Genentech $36,017
02 Amgen $14,642
03 Novo Nordisk $9,566
04 Merck Serono $7,454
05 Baxter BioScience $5,573
In bold type those with activity in Catalonia
Source:
IB09: Biocat report on the state of the biotechnology, biomedicine and medical
technologies sector in Catalonia 2009” (www.biocat.cat/publicacions/informe).
“2010 Top 10 Biopharmaceutical Companies Report“, Contract Pharma
(www.contractpharma.com/articles/2010/07/2010-top-20-pharmaceutical-
companies-report).
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The 480 companies that cu-
rrently make up the Catalan
biotechnology sector
(91 entirely dedicated to
biotechnology) were all set
up after the year 2000.
In the last five years, biotechno-
logy has grown between 15%
and 30%. AB Biotics (functional
foods), Advancell (nanomedicine),
Archivel Farma (therapeutic vacci-
ne against tuberculosis), Bioglane
(industrial biotechnology), Bioin-
genium (bioremediation), ERA
Biotech (cell technology), Immu-
novative developments (drugs for
inflammatory immune disorders),
Neurotech Pharma (multiple scle-
rosis), Omnia molecular (anti-in-
fectives) and Oryzon (biomarkers)
are just some examples.
What lies behind the growth of the
biotechnology sector is talent and
skilled human capital, and strong
collaborative bonds between acade-
mia and business. Catalonia has
12 universities with 177,000 degree
and masters students, accounting
for 12.5% of the whole Spanish
university system (2009-10 data).
Some 43,500 students were enro-
lled on postgraduate studies during
this period.
Regarding business schools, which
is often an indicator associated with
entrepreneurship, Barcelona boasts
two of the top twenty schools in the
world: IESE and ESADE (according
to the Financial Times 2011). In
addition, in 2008 Barcelona was the
third European city attracting most
international MBA students, only
beaten by Paris and London, accor-
ding to the aforesaid newspaper.
Catalonia accounts for one fifth
(20.98%) of all Spain’s biotech
companies, according to the latest
report by Asebio (Association
02.
ENTREPRENEUR-
SHIP AND
INNOVATION IN
BIOTECH AND MEDI-
CAL TECHNOLOGY
COMPANIES
of Biotechnology Companies
in Spain). According the Biocat
Report 2011, in Catalonia there
are 480 companies involved in
Catalonia’s biotech sector, of
which 91 are principally engaged
in biotechnology related business,
71 are pharmaceuticals, 106
are medical technology compa-
nies, 29 are in fine chemicals (a
major sector for the development
of active ingredients), 45 are
foodstuffs companies, 9 from the
biocomputing area, and the rest
are providing support services.
Of those companies in the R+D
area, 58.7% are working on red
biotechnology (health); 47.1% in
white biotechnology (industrial);
and 28.1% in green tehnology
(agrofoodstuffs), and 45.5% in
medical technologies.
04
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
Sub-sectors of activity of the companies of the Bioregion
Industries of R&D
WHITE BIOTECHNOLOGY
YES
47.1%
NO
52.9%
YES
58.7%
NO
41.3%
GREEN TEHNOLOGY
RED BIOTECHNOLOGY
YES
28.1%
NO
71.9%
YES
45.5%
NO
54.5%
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
Source: Report Biocat 2011
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In Catalonia, there is a
unique form of interaction
between hospitals, univer-
sities, research centres and
industry in general, covering
all areas from basic to clini-
cal research.
Catalonia stands out in the
?eld of clinical research and
human health research. It
has a network of 215 hospi-
tals, 13 of which are develo-
ping outstanding research.
Amongst them, six are
amongst Spain’s top science
research producers.
The Barcelona area has a large
network of teaching hospitals too,
among them Hospital Clínic Provincial
de Barcelona, Hospital de Bellvitge,
Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron, Hospital
de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Hospital
de Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital del Mar
and Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, all
carrying out world leading research,
ranging from basic research to advan-
ced diagnostic and clinical research.
One example is a Hospital Clínic
research centre, the Centre for Inter-
national Health Research (CRESIB),
which leads the worldwide develo-
pment of a vaccine against malaria,
thanks to sponsorship by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation.
Barcelona and Catalonia enjoy an
outstanding tradition in quality clinical
trials. This region enjoys competitive
advantages in this ?eld because
of the quality research that can be
undertaken here, because of safety
and research effectiveness in terms
of patient selection and its compe-
titive pricing structure. Over the last
10 years, the Catalan public health
system has increased its research
trials by 95%, making Catalonia the
leading region in Spain in terms of
percentage points (52.4%), mainly in
phase II and III trials.
The private and public sectors work
closely together. There are nume-
rous cases of collaboration, and
these days hospitals themselves
are starting their own entrepreneu-
rial projects. Catalonia has seen a
number of companies that have set
up and become highly successful
across various therapeutic areas.
There is a sub-sector of services
companies of about 30 CRO (con-
tract research organizations) that
contribute to the development and
maturity of this sector in Catalonia.
03.
NETWORK OF
LEADING
HOSPITALS
ENGAGED IN
RESEARCH
04
CIBEK, a patronage initiative in Barcelona
Hospital Clínic of Barcelona
10 principal
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and biomedical
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04
mechanisms and work on applica-
tions for these cells in the treatment
of degenerative diseases.
Centre for International Health
Research (CRESIB)
CRESIB researches issues related
to the new international health cha-
llenges we face in the twenty-?rst
century. Since May 2010, CRESIB
has been part of the Barcelona Glo-
bal Health Institute (ISGLOBAL).
National Centre for Genome
Analysis (CNAG)
This centre is dedicated to the
study of sequencing, analysis
and interpretation of information
contained in organisms’ genomes.
10 years after the publication of the
?rst human genome sequence after
decades of research, CNAG can
now sequence in just a day.
Centre for Genomic
Regulation (CRG)
One of the main areas of excellence
that Barcelona boasts is research
is related to this centre. At CRG
they carry out basic research in
biomedicine, especially in the areas
of genomics and proteomics. Its
researchers and group leaders are
recruited and evaluated internatio-
nally, ensuring the highest scienti?c
levels.
Catalonian Institute of
Bioengineering (IBEC)
IBEC carries out research into bioen-
gineering all the way from its most
basic level up to medical applica-
tions; it has become an international
benchmark in this ?eld. Its location in
the Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
means it can keep up with this highly
dynamic area of life sciences.
Catalan Institute of
Cardiovascular Sciences (ICCC)
ICCC is located in the Hospital de
la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barce-
lona, and it conducts research on
cardiovascular and heart disease,
competing at the highest internatio-
nal level. The centre has been highly
successful at transferring research
into therapeutic developments and
diagnostics.
Institute of Biomedical
Research (IRB)
Founded in 2005 and located in
Barcelona’s Science Park (PCB),
IRB is dedicated to basic and
applied biomedical research. Highly
dynamic and working to the highest
international levels of excellence,
some of its main achievements
have been in the area of cancer
research.
Institute for AIDS Research
(IrsiCaixa)
It works to develop knowledge,
prevention and treatment of HIV
infection and AIDS, with the ultimate
goal of eradicating this disease.
Located in the University Hospital
Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona,
it conducts research in partnership
with Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic.
ALBA Synchrotron
Alba is a new generation synchro-
tron located near the Autonomous
University of Barcelona. The
synchrotron and the nearby new
Parc de l’Alba facilities have been
equipped to host researchers from
around the world that use X-ray
analysis on their samples.
Vall d’Hebron Institute of
Oncology (VHIO)
Recent years have seen key
?ndings emerge on the molecular
basis of cancer, and this has led
to new and better treatments for
this disease. VHIO is working along
similar research lines, providing a
common space for scientists and
doctors working on basic science
and clinical research.
The growth and development of the
biotechnology industry in Catalo-
nia is possible because there is an
adequate supply of science and te-
chnology parks suitable for business
incubation during their early stages
of creation. Of Catalonia’s 17 parks,
13 are actively involved in biotech-
nology and biomedicine. In addition
to providing science and technology
facilities, of?ces and laboratories,
these parks provide a meeting
point for research, innovation and
companies, as well as a competitive
environment, and support services
to help grow business projects while
also providing access to experts in
intellectual property and investors.
Catalonia has 430 research
groups and 90 recognized
research centres that are
developing activities in the
life sciences ?eld.
In Catalonia, training in life scien-
ces and healthcare in general has
increased considerably in recent
years, both at universities and
business schools in order to meet
the needs of a sector that is emer-
ging as a major economic driver
for the country. Ten of Catalonia’s
twelve universities teach studies
related to this area, although the
University of Barcelona (UB),
the Autonomous University of
Barcelona (UAB) and the Po-
lytechnic University of Catalonia
(UPC) account for almost 60% of
the training given in this field. The
number of students enrolled on
these courses is nearly 25,000.
Bioscience research is carried out
at 10 universities, with 25,000
researchers generating 25% of all
Spain’s scienti?c output and 57%
of its biomedicine publications*.
One important ?gure that shows
the degree of research speciali-
zation in Catalonia is the fact that
over 60% of centres do research
on human health, and over 70% of
all researchers working in the ?eld
of genomic science in Spain do so
in research centres in Catalonia.
Barcelona Supercomputing
Center (BSC)
Located in the emblematic Torre
Girona building in Barcelona, the
BSC-CNS (Barcelona Supercompu-
ting Center) is Spain’s National Su-
percomputing Center that plays host
to the Mare Nostrum supercomputer,
one of the most powerful in Europe.
Centre for Regenerative Medici-
ne in Barcelona (CMR)
CMR is located in the Barcelona
Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)
and principally researches human
embryonic stem cells to unders-
tand their basic development
04.
BENCHMARK
TRAINING AND
RESEARCH
CENTRES IN
THE LIFE
SCIENCES FIELD
Barcelona
Girona
Lleida
Tarragona
Vic
Cerdanyola del Vallès
Universities
Hospitals
Science and technology parks
*recent bibliometrics data, 2006.
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
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Science parks are catalysts
for regional economic
development and facilitate
the creation and growth
of new technology-based
companies, promoting
knowledge transfer from
universities to industry.
Barcelona Science Park (PCB) is a
recognised successful model. This
is the largest business incubator in
Catalonia and it produced the ?rst
Catalan biotechnology company in
2009; the Park also plays host the
latest science facility to be opened
in our country, the National Centre
for Genome Analysis (CNAG), which
together creates an innovation area
that currently occupies 60,000 m
2
.
PCB houses 75 companies,
9 technology platforms, 36 technical
units, 4 research institutes and
70 research groups. It also organi-
zes more than 120 activities a year
in order to promote a culture and
vocation for science, which involves
close to 6,000 people.
Founded by the University of
Barcelona in 1997, this was the
?rst science park to open in Spain.
These days it is regarded as a
benchmark for the international
promotion of innovation with over
2,200 employees. It is a model
for the creation and growth of
biotech SMEs and has contributed
hugely to a new innovation-based
economy.
One of its main values is its own
internal triple helix model (public
administration, business and uni-
versity), which is a key to compe-
titiveness in this sector with public
and private research and techno-
logy platforms. Within this same
space we ?nd companies, techno-
logy platforms and research groups
which enjoy full access to a wide
range of science and technology
support services.
Setting up the National Centre for
Genome Analysis (CNAG) within
the Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
–which happens to be Catalonia
and Spain’s newest facility–
re?ects the excellent results
achieved so far and its role as a
driving force in this area.
The Barcelona Biomedi-
cal Research Park (PRBB)
occupies 55,000 m
2
on the
city’s shoreline overlooking
beaches and next to Hos-
pital del Mar in the 22@
area. Here we ?nd scienti?c
experts, some working on
molecular analysis, others
in terms of the population
perspective. PRBB has
become one of the leading
biomedical research centres
in southern Europe.
Created in 2002 by the UPF, the
Autonomous Regional Government
of Catalonia and Barcelona City
Council, its expansion process en-
ded in late 2005 and now employs
over 1,300 people, the majority of
these foreigners (covering 50 diffe-
rent nationalities).
The scienti?c activities of research
groups that are working here
are grouped under the areas of
biomedical computing and the
biology of systems, epigenetics and
gene regulation, cell biology and
its development, pharmacology,
pathophysiology and clinical human
genetics and evolutionary biology,
epidemiology and public health.
The Park has also produced busi-
ness initiatives like the start-up qGe-
nomics and Chemotargets based on
science initiatives.
Barcelona Biomedical Research
Park (PRBB) has 8 institutes and
independent research centres
that have achieved excellence in
their ?elds, all focused on different
aspects of biomedicine.
- Municipal Institute of Medical
Research (IMIM)
- Centre for Genomic Regulation
(CRG)
- Institute of Advanced Technology
(IAT)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine
in Barcelona (CMR)
- Centre for Research in Environ-
mental Epidemiology (CREAL)
- Pompeu Fabra University’s De-
partment of Experimental and Health
Sciences (CEXS-UPF)
- Pasqual Maragall Foundation (FPM)
- IBE - Institute of Evolutionary Biolo-
gy (CSIC-UPF)
PRBB also offers four technology
service platforms, including the Cata-
lonian Anti-Doping Laboratory (IMIM).
05.
BARCELONA
SCIENCE PARK
(PCB): WHERE
RESEARCH AND
INNOVATION
MEET, AND THE
COUNTRY’S FIRST
BIO-INCUBATOR
06.
BARCELONA
BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH PARK
(PRBB), A CENTRE
FOR LEADING
RESEARCH GROUPS
04
The National Centre for Genome Analysis is one of the most
important centres for sequencing and molecular research in Europe
Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
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The UAB Research Park’s tech-
nology transfer services, and its
scienti?c and technical services are
available to researchers at the UAB,
CSIC and IRTA related centres and
institutes as well as other centres
and institutes that make up the
UAB Research Park, besides the
university’s own research groups.
Companies located in the Park and
those that have come about from
Park-related projects like start-ups
or spin-offs can also make the most
of these services.
The Autonomous University
of Barcelona’s Research
Park (PRUAB) is one of
Catalonia and Spain’s most
important business, industry
and knowledge generators.
The UAB Research Park was set
up in late 2007 by three leading
research institutions: the UAB, the
Council for Scienti?c Research
(CSIC) and the Institute for Re-
search and Technology (IRTA) in
order to foster, promote and impro-
ve the transfer of knowledge and
technology between universities
and companies.
In addition to the UAB’s own
departments and research groups,
the Park has numerous centres and
institutes located on its Bellaterra
Campus and at the Torre Mari-
mon Farm (Caldes de Montbui).
They all carry out research in ?ve
main themes: Biotechnology and
Biomedicine, Health and Animal
Production, Processing of Food
and Food Safety, Health and Beha-
vioural Sciences, Social Sciences
and Humanities and Science and
Technology.
Currently, the UAB Research Park
has 30 research centres and insti-
tutes and more than 4,000 resear-
chers. In 2006 it registered
60 patents and generated funds
worth 68 million euros.
PRUAB has 14 small and medium
sized companies located there in
various life sciences activities.
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04
07.
AUTONOMOUS
UNIVERSITY
OF BARCELONA’S
RESEARCH
PARK (PRUAB):
RESEARCH
INSTITUTES AND
A BIO-INCUBATOR
PRUAB Research Centres and
Institutes working in ?elds
related to biotechnology and
biomedicine include:
- CBATEG: Centre for Ani-
mal Biotechnology and Gene
Therapy
- CRAG: Agrogenomics Re-
search Centre
- IBB: Institute of Biotechnology
and Biomedicine
- INc: Institute of Neuroscience
- LP CSIC-UAB: CSIC-UAB
Laboratory of Proteomics
- ALBA Synchrotron
- Centre for Research in Na-
noscience and Nanotechnology
(CIN2)
ALBA Synchrotron
Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park (PRUAB)
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
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and biomedical
sectors
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04
Catalonia’s university hos-
pitals have a long tradition
bringing together excellence
in health care, training and
basic and related research.
This can be seen by the fact
that Barcelona’s principal
hospitals all have their own
research institutes.
In Barcelona and its surrounds there are
six hospital research institutes, ?ve of
which - Vall d’Hebron Researh Institute
(VHIR), Bellvitge Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBELL), Health Sciences
Research Institute of the “Germans
Trias i Pujol” Foundation (IGTP), August
Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBAPS) and Sant Pau
Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant
Pau)— are certi?ed as medical research
institutes by the Ministry of Science and
Innovation, a quality stamp awarded
by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, a
state support agency for research that
provides accreditation for institutes and
networks and focuses research on set
objectives, a mission that only one other
hospital in Spain, the Virgen del Rocío
de Sevilla, has.
Research institutes in
Barcelona’s hospital system
August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical
Research Institute (IDIBAPS)
IDIBAPS’ research focuses on six
main investigation lines and it aims to
integrate quality clinical research with
high quality basic research through its
60-or-so research teams.
Bellvitge Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBELL)
IDIBELL is a stem cell medical
research centre, including the par-
ticipation of the University Hospital
of Bellvitge, the Catalan Institute of
Oncology, the University of Barce-
lona and the Institute of Diagnostic
Imaging. The Institute is part of
Hospitalet’s Biopol’H health care
research park.
Vall d’Hebron Researh
Institute (VHIR))
VHIR is a biomedical research centre
working in the ?elds of diagnostics,
therapeutics and the treatment of
problems related to healthcare issues.
Besides this, the Institute is highly
committed to supporting entrepreneu-
rial business ventures that arise from
their research programmes.
The Sant Pau Biomedical
Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau)
The Sant Pau Institute for Biome-
dical Research carries out medical
research into basic, clinical, and
epidemiological health care issues,
and their investigation lines come
together in 10 of the highest quality
research entities. Occupying 6,000 m
2
of space, the shared research facili-
ties play host to more than 400 basic
scientists and clinicians grouped in
7 areas of research.
Municipal Institute of Medical
Research (IMIM)
The Research Institute of the Hospital
del Mar forms a part of the Pompeu
Fabra University (UPF) and boasts
350 researchers. Their research is
divided into ?ve programme areas:
cancer, epidemiology and public
health, in?ammation and cardiovas-
cular processes, neuroscience and
biomedical computing.
08.
LARGE HOSPITAL
RESEARCH
CENTRES: IDIBAPS
IDIBELL AND VHIR
09.
BIOCAT, PROMOTING
THE BIOREGION OF
CATALONIA
Created in 2006 thanks to the Gover-
nment of Catalonia and Barcelona City
Council, Biocat’s foundation gover-
nance structure includes extensive re-
presentation from the biomedical and
biotechnology sector, as well as the
Administration, universities, research
companies and support organizations.
Biocat promotes collaboration bet-
ween biocluster stakeholders and a
variety of other entities both inside and
outside of Catalonia, at the national
and international level. It offers ?exible
and innovative solutions to challenges
facing the sector, always pursuing the
highest quality and ef?ciency. The Bio-
cat action plan has a clear customer
focus, re?ecting a strong commitment
to its goals and people in general.
Its action plan is divided into ?ve
strategic priorities:
- Consolidation of Catalonia’s
biocluster
- Promoting business competiti-
veness
- Internationalization
- Training and attracting talent
- Generating a positive social
perception of biotechnology
To achieve its goals in the above
stated ?ve priority areas, it has
designed tailor made programmes
that address the needs and speci?-
cities of the sector, offering a range
of services that run from training
programmes to the publishing of
industry reports, organizing sector
meetings and providing support
in the internationalization process,
and even personalized advice for
companies, project start-ups or the
design of sector relevant strategic
initiatives.
Biocat, along with the City Coun-
cil, drives the city’s international
promotion as a place for biotech-
nology companies to set up via the
Barcelona Biotech brand and it also
establishes partnerships with coun-
terpart institutions and stakeholders
in the main international markets
of interest to promote exchanges
and cooperation between sector
members.
More information from
www.biocat.cat
Biocat is an entity that
coordinates and promotes
innovation into biotechnolo-
gy, biomedicine and medi-
cal technology in Catalonia.
Its mission is to promote
and energize stakeholders
operating in this sector and
develop related initiatives
in order to create the right
environment for a powerful
research system to ?ourish.
Other objectives include
helping to create active
knowledge transfers and an
entrepreneurial business
network so that this sector
can become an economic
driver for the country and
also so that it contributes
to the overall welfare of
society.
Over 600 representatives of Catalonia’s biotech sector meet every year for the Biocat Forum
Research Institute of the Hospital del Mar
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
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04
Over the last 20 years,
Public Administrations in
Catalonia, Spain and Eu-
rope have made serious
commitments to promoting
science and technology, by
investing in universities, re-
search centres, talent, entre-
preneurship, science parks
and technology platforms
Barcelona City Council has been
promoting innovation in biotech-
nology via a series of action plans:
through its development agency,
Barcelona Activa, via initiatives
created by its innovation district,
22@Barcelona, and through its
employment support programmes at
Porta 22, besides the coordinated
actions of its management at the
Council’s Department of Economics,
Business and Employment. These
are aimed at highlighting the value
of science and Catalan innovation
while promoting the creation and
growth of companies involved in
biotechnology, biomedicine and
medical technology.
Investment in biotechnology,
whether it comes from the Spanish
Government, the Autonomous Re-
gional Government or the European
administrations, has grown at a
signi?cant rate with incentives for
research, training and recruitment.
In Catalonia, spending on internal
R&D has grown at around 12%
on average per year, rising from
2.107 bn € in 2004 to 3.286 bn €
in 2008, which represents 1.61%
of GDP (data published in 2010).
The Autonomous Regional Go-
vernment ?nances the sector via
its Department of Economics and
Knowledge, the Department of
Business Enterprise and Emplo-
yment, and the Health and Edu-
cation Departments. For example,
there are a number of program-
mes regarding ?nancing options:
AGAUR programmes (Agency for
the Management of University and
Research Grants), the SGR call for
consolidated research groups, or
ACC1Ó programmes (Catalan trade
and development agency that offers
10.
ACTIVE
GOVERNMENT
SUPPORT FOR THE
BIOTECHNOLOGY
WORLD
businesses a number of ?nancing
alternatives like risk capital lines,
loans, guarantees, share swop loans,
subsidies and tax incentives for
R&D…). In 2009 ACC1Ó spent up
to 6.7 million euros on this sector:
a million euros on research centre
projects, 4.1 million in grants for
R&D in pharmaceutical, biotech
and medical technology companies
and the rest on support structures
(2009).
The Catalan government also
supports investment in Catalonia via
its Invest in Catalonia agency, which
offers services to companies with
solid and stable investment projects.
These services include help and
assistance at different levels and
advice on incentives and ?nancing,
or re-investment, or capital expan-
sions, etc..
Meanwhile, the Catalan Institute of
Finance has placed 27 million euros
in venture capital funds that invest
exclusively or partially in this sector.
At the state level, we have grants
like Neotec, Pro?t, Torres Quevedo,
Cenit, Consolidar and Ciber, the
?nancing of Genoma España and
subsidies from ICEX to business
associations in the sector. One of
the latest programmes is the sub-
programme Severo Ochoa that is
designed to encourage research
excellence in Spanish State uni-
versity departments or institutes,
foundations, and centres, institutes
and public agencies.
As regards talent, one highly notable
example of support measures is the
Autonomous Regional Government
of Catalonia’s ICREA programme,
which has hired 250 researchers in
different areas, with 31% of these
working in the ?eld of life sciences
and health sciences.
Within each community, council,
university, hospital, etc., we can
?nd institutions and development
agencies (in Catalonia, ACC1Ó
and Barcelona Activa), evaluation,
technology transfer and entrepre-
neurship entities (like OTRI, eva-
luation structures of research done
in hospitals and universities, and
technology springboards, etc..) that
are developing the consolidation of
knowledge in biosciences. These
are promoting the sector –along
with the coordinated support and
promotional zeal of the biocluster
management team (Biocat)-, so as
to create a true driver of the eco-
nomy and an opportunity to make
the quality of life of society better.
The HQ of the Economic, Business and Employment Area and Barcelona Activa in Barcelona’s 22@ area
10 principal
strengths of
Barcelona and
Catalonia’s
biotechnology
and biomedical
sectors
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Links
05
22@Barcelona
www.22barcelona.com
ACC1Ó-Generalitat de Catalunya
(Catalan Government)
www.acc10.cat
Management Agency of University and
Research Grants (AGAUR)
www.gencat.cat/agaur
Department of Economics, Business
and Employment – Barcelona City
Council
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
Asebio
www.asebio.com
Barcelona Activa
www.barcelonactiva.cat
Barcelona Supercomputing
Center (BSC)
www.bsc.es
Biocat
www.biocat.cat
Catalonia Bio
www.cataloniabio.org
Centre for Biomedical Research
Esther Koplowitz (CIBEK)
www.cibek.org
Research Center for Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology (CINC2)
www.cin2.es
Centre for Animal Biotechnology and
Gene Therapy (CBATEG)
www.cbateg.net (under construction)
Centre for Regenerative Medicine in
Barcelona (CMRB)
www.cmrbarcelona.eu
Centre for Research in Agricultural
Genomics
www.cragenomica.es
Centre for Research in Environmental
Epidemiology (CREAL)
www.creal.cat
Barcelona Centre for International
Health Research (CRESIB)
www.cresib.cat
Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)
www.crg.es
National Centre for Genome
Analysis (CNAG)
www.cnag.cat
Higher Research Council (CSIC)
www.dicat.csic.es
ESADE Business School
www.esade.edu
Genoma España
www.gen-es.org
Hospital Clínic i Provincial de
Barcelona
www.hospitalclinic.org
Hospital de la Santa Creu i
Sant Pau
www.santpau.es
Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron
www.vhebron.net
Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu
www.hsjdbcn.org
Hospital del Mar (IMAS)
www.parcdesalutmar.cat/hospitals/
hospital-del-mar
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
www.bellvitgehospital.cat
Hospital Universitari Germans
Trias i Pujol
www.gencat.cat/ics/germanstrias
IESE Business School
www.iese.edu
Catalan Institute for Research and
Advanced Studies (ICREA)
www.icrea.cat
Catalan Institute of Cardiovascular
Sciences (ICCC)
www.iccc.cat
Catalan Institute of Finance
www.ic?nances.com
Institute of High Technology
(IAT)
www.crccorp.es
Bellvitge Biomedical Research
Institute (IDIBELL)
www.idibell.cat
Biomedical Research Institute
at Sant Pau Hospital (Sant Pau
IIB)
www.iibsantpau.cat
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology
(VHIO)
www.vhio.net
Institute for Bioengineering of
Catalonia (IBEC)
www.ibecbarcelona.eu
Barcelona Institute of Molecular
Biology (IBMB)
www.ibmb.csic.es
Institute of Biotechnology and
Biomedicine (IBB)http://ibb.uab.es
Institute of Neurosciencehttp://inc.uab.cat
Barcelona Institute for Biomedical
Research (IRB)
www.irbbarcelona.org
The AIDS Research Institute
(IrsiCaixa)
www.irsicaixa.org
Institute for Research and
Technology (IRTA)
www.irta.es
Global Health Institute of Barcelona
(ISGLOBAL)
www.isglobal.es
August Pi i Sunyer Institute of
Biomedical Research (IDIBAPS)
www.idibaps.org
Institut Municipal d’Investigació
Mèdica (IMIM)
www.imim.es
Carlos III Health Institute
www.isciii.es
Laboratory of Proteomics CSIC-UAB
(LPCSIC-UAB)http://proteomica.uab.cat
Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
www.pcb.ub.edu
Parc de l’Alba
www.parcdelalba.com
Barcelona Biomedical Research
Park (PRBB)
www.prbb.org
UAB Research Park (PRUAB)http://parc.uab.es
ALBA Synchrotron
www.cells.es
Vall d’Hebron Research Institute
(VHIR)
www.ir.vhebron.net
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
With co-?nancing
doc_717017424.pdf