Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025
Xarxalia at the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025
On June 11, 2025, Barcelona once again took center stage in the economic and technological debate thanks to the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025, held in an exceptional setting: the iconic Gran Teatre del Liceu. This prestigious forum brought together institutional representatives, business leaders, and prominent figures from the academic and social spheres to explore and discuss the challenges and opportunities that will shape Catalonia’s economic future. The event addressed key topics such as reindustrialization, public-private collaboration, sustainability, and, most notably, the essential role of technology as a driving force for growth and progress in our country.
Present at the Forbes Summit
During the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025, Xarxalia played an active role thanks to our CEO, Meritxell Bautista, who was recently recognized by the prestigious Forbes Women list as one of the 100 most influential women in Catalonia in 2025.
This recognition highlights her career as a tech entrepreneur and her ongoing commitment to innovation and digital transformation in our region. In addition to leading Xarxalia Network and serving as Executive Chair of Manix Capital, Meritxell is a well-known figure for promoting equal opportunities in the tech and business sectors.
Her inclusion in the Forbes list reinforces a leadership style that is approachable, innovative, and deeply committed to Catalan society.
Catalonia, a global tech brand
During the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025, Meritxell Bautista took part by moderating one of the event’s key round tables: “Catalonia, a Global Tech Brand.” This panel was responsible for closing the day, highlighting the strategic importance of the topic on Catalonia’s economic agenda.
The panel featured renowned experts from Catalonia’s tech sector, including Montse Guardia (Alastria), Mercè Crosas (Barcelona Supercomputing Center), Eduard Martín (Mobile World Capital), Xavier Martínez (Iberent), and Yolanda Pérez (BStartup at Banco Sabadell). Under Meritxell’s moderation, the discussion focused on crucial issues to position Catalonia as an international tech hub, including the promotion of local talent, the return of Catalan professionals from abroad, and the need to foster public-private collaboration to strengthen technological innovation in our country.
At Xarxalia, we especially value this space for debate due to its ability to generate synergies that can propel Catalan technological innovation onto the global stage.
Key takeaways from the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit
The Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025 concluded its first edition with strategic takeaways relevant to the country’s economic and social development. Among the key points highlighted by the speakers were:
Female leadership as a transformative force in the economic and technological spheres, bringing a diverse and enriching perspective to today’s challenges.
The need to strengthen public-private collaboration by creating ecosystems of mutual trust to drive investment in strategic sectors such as industry, biomedicine, the green economy, and especially technology.
The commitment to recover and promote local talent by leveraging the potential offered by Catalan universities and already established tech companies.
A firm commitment to sustainability and innovation, always placing people at the heart of any economic and technological model.
The importance of projecting the Catalonia brand as a global tech reference, valuing both tradition and modernity, and positioning Catalan cultural identity as a distinctive asset in the international market.
Xarxalia, committed to Catalonia’s technological future
At Xarxalia Network, we celebrate events like the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit 2025 for their ability to bring together diverse voices, create spaces for strategic reflection, and foster collaborations that benefit all of Catalan society.
Our active presence at this event, led by Meritxell Bautista, reflects our commitment to the technological and innovative development of the region. We firmly believe that technology should be a tool that serves people and a driver of sustainable and equitable economic growth.
We will continue working at Xarxalia to turn these values into concrete actions, driving technological innovation, supporting local talent, and collaborating with public and private stakeholders to position Catalonia as a global technological leader.
FAQS
What is the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit?
The Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit is an event organized by the prestigious Forbes magazine that brings together economic, technological, and institutional leaders in Barcelona to discuss the economic and social future of Catalonia, addressing key topics such as technology, innovation, and sustainability.
Who is Meritxell Bautista and why was she recognized at the event?
Meritxell Bautista is the CEO of Xarxalia Network and Executive Chair of Manix Capital. She was recently recognized by Forbes Women as one of the 100 most influential women in Catalonia, thanks to her outstanding career as a tech entrepreneur and her commitment to equality and innovation.
What was Xarxalia's role in the Forbes Summit?
The participation of our CEO, Meritxell Bautista, as moderator of the round table “Catalonia, a Global Tech Brand,” focused on boosting Catalonia’s positioning as an international tech hub.
What strategic topics were addressed in the tech panel moderated by Meritxell Bautista?
Crucial topics were discussed, such as the importance of recovering and enhancing Catalan tech talent, the need to promote public-private collaboration, and strategies to position Catalonia as a globally recognized tech brand.
Why is it important to promote female leadership in economic and technological events?
Female leadership brings a diverse and transformative perspective to today’s economic and social challenges. Events like the Forbes Catalonia Economic Summit highlight the value of equality in leadership positions and its positive impact on innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable progress.