The transformation of the traditional industrial park into the current District 4.0 is the result of a strategic vision aimed at leading the transition toward a digital, sustainable, and competitive industry. This process has been made possible thanks to the joint effort of public administrations, the private sector, and civil society, who have found in the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) an ally to promote high-value-added projects and generate quality employment opportunities.
District 4.0 has become an international benchmark for Industry 4.0 thanks to its privileged location – in the heart of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region – and its ability to attract talent, investment, and innovative companies. Connectivity, the technological and entrepreneurial ecosystem, the presence of prestigious universities and business schools, combined with the quality of life that Barcelona offers, reinforce its appeal.
At the centre of this transformation is DFactory Barcelona, our commitment to Industry 4.0. This space reached 100% occupancy in 2025, hosting leading companies in robotics, AI, Internet of Things, 3D printing, blockchain, nanotechnology, etc. In the summer, we already began construction to expand it to 60,000 m² in order to accommodate new business and technological initiatives.
We want the DFactory philosophy to permeate the entire District 4.0, which aspires to become a benchmark for urban transformation, sustainable mobility, and the integration of the industrial fabric with the digital environment. As a public entity, the CZFB assumes the responsibility of driving the economic and social development of the territory, promoting public-private collaboration and fostering innovation and sustainability as the central pillars of our actions.
During 2025, we have strengthened our commitment to industrial competitiveness with high-impact projects, organising international events and collaborating with institutions and companies to consolidate Barcelona’s leadership in the new economy. The expansion of DFactory, the attraction of national and international companies, and the launch of new infrastructure confirm the solidity of our strategy.
This year, moreover, the CZFB has become the first free zone in the world to receive certification from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This achievement strengthens our global projection and positions us as a benchmark in promoting good practices (plurality, transparency, governance, etc.) and in defending lawful trade, contributing to the construction of a safer and more responsible economic environment.
The challenge for the future is to continue connecting District 4.0 with the city and its citizens, making this space a more accessible, inclusive, and open environment for society, with digital transformation and sustainability as core focus areas. In short, our commitment to economic development, innovation, and improving people’s quality of life remains our main objective.