Barcelona, world’s third leading hub for foreign investment in artificial intelligence (AI)

Barcelona is ranked third in the world in attracting foreign investment in artificial intelligence (AI) according to the recently published Global Location Trends 2025 report, compiled by international consultancy IBM in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics. The study analyses the choice of location for global corporate investments made in this field throughout 2024.

The report is a benchmark in international investment analysis and ranks Barcelona just behind global metropolises London and Singapore. This makes it the leading city in the European Union on this ranking. According to data from the Tech Hubs Overview by Mobile World Capital Barcelona, ACCIÓ and the Barcelona City Council, this is a fast-growing ecosystem in Catalonia, currently home to 160 international tech hubs.

The IBM study also analyses job creation linked to foreign investment in AI. The consultancy has concluded that Catalonia ranks first in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in this regard, generating 20% of all jobs created in Spain, ahead of Madrid (14%). In terms of specialised employment in AI, Barcelona also ranks third in the world, surpassed only by London and Dubai. In 2024 alone, the region generated over 6,000 new AI-related jobs.

A study by ACCIÓ identifies nearly 500 companies in Catalonia dedicated specifically to AI. This sector boasts joint turnover exceeding €2.15 billion and employs nearly 14,500 professionals.  Artificial intelligence has become a strategic tool for businesses, and in 2024, over 40% of companies invested in digital transformation. Catalonia is emerging as a leading force in Europe’s technological revolution.

Finally, it is worth noting that the AI Summit Barcelona will take place on 14 and 15 October and is expected to attract between 2,000 and 3,000 professionals from the city’s artificial intelligence innovation ecosystem. The event will include a hackathon with 200 developers competing to create the AI solutions of the future.