Catalonia ranks as the main area of Spain when referring to the international impact of its research projects. Between 2003 and 2009, Catalan scientific production experienced an increase of 78% and now represents 26.6% of the Spanish total. This means that almost one out of every three projects in the country is carried out in a Catalan institution. If translated to international standards, Catalonia has a research impact comparable to that of Canada, Singapore or Finland. This is confirmed by both its position in the global rankings and the number of science and academic prizes awarded to institutions in the Catalonia.(12.15.2011)

Barcelona is becoming an international reference point among smart cities, which use technology to make the urban environment easier to live in. From November 29th to December 2nd, the Catalan capital hosted the first edition of the ‘SmartCity Expo & World Congress’, with the participation of representatives from more than 50 cities, international companies such as IBM, research centers and universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. More than 6,000 professionals, representing 187 companies and other institutions, and more than 300 speakers gathered at the ‘Gran Via’ venue of Fira de Barcelona to discuss the interaction between new technologies, urban planning and citizen welfare, among other issues. (12.07.2011)

Sommelier Josep Roca, of the world famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, northern Catalonia), led a high level mission of the Catalan viticulture industry to New York this past November, presenting a selection of the best that Catalan wines have to offer as part of a series of promotional events organized by the Catalan Viticulture Association. (11.10.2011)