Main Pillars of the Mediterranean Economy for 2035

Text: Based on the current Mediterranean economy pillars and projected objectives for 2035, this presentation outlines the main issues addressing the key socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the drive to secure growth and enhanced resilience.

In order to effectively navigate the complexities of the Mediterranean socio-economic landscape, the primary challenge for stakeholders is to establish a cohesive strategic framework that fosters sustainable development priorizing sustainability and innovation, while offering actionable insights to secure long-term prosperity.

DFactory : The Special Zone of The New Economy

Introducción para la sesión DFactory BarcelonaToday more than 3,000 SEZs are known to exist in some 135 countries. It is estimated that, collectively, they account for over $500 billion in global trade, and employ more than 70 million people.

There is no need to restate the significant potential benefits that SEZs can bring in terms of: increasing foreign direct investment (FDI), generating employment opportunities, enhancing foreign exchange earnings, developing export-oriented industries, and boosting export growth, as well as expanding government revenue and economic growth. SEZs can also support the emergence of industrial clusters, which are particularly beneficial in fostering technology transfer and innovation.

The policies to attract investments to zones should not be limited to providing investment and trade concessions, and exemptions to existing legislation, but should also include strategies to support skills, innovation and competitiveness.

SEZs are the most important investment catalyst used as an engine to attract foreign investments in the promotion or relaunch strategy of a city or country.

The Barcelona Free Zone Consortium (CZFB) is not an exception but is already a model of success due to its valuable contribution to the development and economic transformation of Barcelona and the industry 4.0 ecosystem.

One of the latest contributions of the CZFB is the avant-garde DFactory Barcelona building in areas related to industry 4.0 and how it is serving as a business engine for Barcelona and its entire metropolitan area.

In addition, the project is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030, facilitating the digitalization of the industry as a key lever for the ecological transition and promoting the circular economy through the adoption of new sustainable productive and advanced manufacturing systems.

DfactoryIt is much more than a free zone or special economic zone. It is a great platform for the new economy in the Mediterranean region.

Women TechEU: Empowering Women in the New Economy

Women TechEU is a pioneering 2-year EU-funded initiative aimed at supporting women leading deep tech startups across Europe. As we move towards a new economy driven by technology, innovation, and inclusivity, our mission is to create a more gender-balanced entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering diversity that fuels cutting-edge advancements.

In this new era of economic transformation, women in deep tech are poised to play a critical role. The future of industry, driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and other groundbreaking fields, requires a workforce that reflects the diversity of thought and experiences necessary for innovation. At Women TechEU, we are dedicated to providing female entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in this fast-evolving landscape.

Over the next two years, our project will launch four calls for applications, offering women-led deep tech startups the chance to be part of this exciting transformation. Through a rigorous evaluation process, a total of 160 beneficiaries will be selected. Each will receive €75,000 in non-dilutive finance, as well as a personalized business development programme that includes mentoring, coaching, and targeted training.

The integration of deep tech into the new economy demands bold leadership, and we are here to ensure that women have the opportunities to lead. By empowering women in these fields, Women TechEU not only supports individual success but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable economic future.

Join us in shaping the next generation of technology-driven industries by supporting diversity, innovation, and economic growth.