In recent decades, technology has transformed the way we understand culture and entertainment. This shift has fuelled the growth of new economic sectors that play an increasingly important role in our daily lives. In response to this evolving landscape, Catalonia has moved decisively forward and, in just a few years, has established itself as an international benchmark in areas such as audiovisual production, technology and design. The creative and cultural industries are becoming ever more influential, and Catalonia stands at the forefront in many respects. Here, you will find a wide range of companies operating in audiovisual production, new technologies, music and design — ideal partners for doing business. At the same time, the region has evolved into a meeting point for these sectors and a leading MICE destination. The evidence is clear: every year, Catalonia hosts many internationally renowned trade fairs, congresses and events. Audiovisual epicentre A clear expression of the strength of Catalonia’s cultural and creative industries can be found in the audiovisual sector, with almost 4,500 companies, 45,000 jobs and more than 9.1 billion euros in turnover in 2024. It is a dynamic sector that is open to the world and eager to continue evolving with projects such as the creation of an audiovisual hub, Catalunya Media City, in the historic Tres Xemeneies in Sant Adrià del Besòs. Catalonia also provides an ideal environment in which audiovisual projects can grow, thanks to a robust sector supported by the Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia, one of the most important in Europe, and the Catalonia Film Commission, a network that offers services to develop products for cinema and television. This audiovisual strength is further reinforced by Catalonia’s reputation as a host for major events linked to this industry. A prime example is Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), a world-leading annual trade fair, which in its 2026 edition welcomed more than 92,000 visitors to Barcelona. Within the more creative sphere, Catalonia is also home to internationally renowned film events distinguished by their specialist focus. One such example is the International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia in Sitges and the Animac animation festival. The international standing of the region’s audiovisual sector is further reflected in the recognition of Terrassa as a UNESCO Creative City of Film within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Technological hub Catalonia is an attractive destination for virtually any company operating in the technology sector. The region is committed to the future and to digital transformation, positioning itself as an epicentre of innovation and a true magnet for technology industries. The growing number of international hubs choosing to establish a presence here further reinforces Catalonia’s standing as a leading host of major events and a key destination for MICE tourism. Many companies select Catalonia for the highly qualified talent available in the labour market, its strong business fabric and its quality of life. In fact, some rankings place Barcelona among the world’s top ten cities for working abroad or for attracting talent, tourism and investment. The region’s technology sector is also recognised for its dynamism and initiative, with the Catalan capital regarded as one of Europe’s best ecosystems for startup development. At the same time, the sector here also embraces decentralisation, with thriving activity beyond Barcelona — notably in Reus, home to the ICT Cluster of Southern Catalonia. Catalonia also hosts the world’s largest and most influential technology congress, the Mobile World Congress (MWC), which each year is held at Fira de Barcelona alongside its sister event, 4YFN. The MWC is an essential gathering for technology professionals, where innovations of every kind are unveiled, while 4YFN focuses specifically on startups and investment opportunities. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors travel to Barcelona for the congress, demonstrating Catalonia’s outstanding capacity to host events of this scale. Let the music play Catalonia is also home to a powerful music industry. A leading force at both the national and European level, the region stands out for its extensive programme of festivals and flagship events that have become true international benchmarks, attracting audiences from across the globe. This is yet another reflection of the strength of Catalonia’s cultural industries — not only in creative terms, but also in their organisational capacity. Every year, tens of thousands of people attend major music festivals such as Sónar and Primavera Sound. Beyond the concerts themselves, these events provide valuable opportunities to bring together the music industry through their parallel professional initiatives. This is the case with Sónar+D, a multidisciplinary congress focused on creativity, technology and the music business, and Primavera Pro, aimed at music professionals and dedicated to discussing the present and future of the sector. We should also highlight the Mercat de Música Viva de Vic, created in the late 1980s in the inland city of Vic. In addition to its concert programme, it serves as a showcase for emerging artists and actively fosters the booking and circulation of live shows. Barcelona, creative capital Barcelona has always been a city with a deep love for culture and creativity. Its dynamism has shaped its non-conformist and entrepreneurial spirit, consistently placing it at the forefront of contemporary trends. The Catalan capital has long been a meeting point for talent and creative expression across a wide range of disciplines — from architecture, literature and fashion to more recent fields such as video art and video game development. One example of Barcelona’s distinctive creativity can be found at the Disseny Hub Barcelona - Design Museum. Located in Plaça de les Glòries, it serves as a meeting point for creators and companies linked to the sector, while tracing the history and evolution of design in Catalonia. Barcelona is also recognised as a City of Literature within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, reflecting the strength of its publishing industry and its prestigious literary heritage. Music, technology, audiovisual production, design... Catalonia stands out across a wide spectrum of disciplines as a benchmark for innovation, talent and creativity. The region continues to attract a growing number of international events and professionals from the cultural industries and emerging sectors. Here, you will find an ecosystem ideally suited to developing any business or creative project. Discover everything Catalonia has to offer.