Driving urban and economic transformation through the Sant Feliu de Llobregat Innovation District Masterplan

Thanks to the ambitious vision of the City of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Aretian Urban Analytics and Design has developed a comprehensive masterplan to reposition the municipality as one of the most dynamic centers of innovation in the Barcelona metropolitan region. The initiative covers more than 75 hectares across key industrial and mixed-use areas and positions the city as a vibrant innovation district in the global knowledge economy. Leveraging its privileged connectivity to Barcelona, proximity to leading universities and medical institutions, and a growing talent ecosystem, the masterplan sets the foundation for a thriving ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, digital industries, and research-driven industries.

Overview of the Sant Feliu Innovation District Masterplan.

Even with these strategic advantages, the city of Sant Feliu de Llobregat faces several pressing challenges that limit its innovation potential. For example, the local innovation ecosystem remains underdeveloped, with only 12% of employment in innovation-related activities—far below the 35% benchmark for a world-class innovation district. In addition, outdated urban infrastructure and decades of unregulated growth have left parts of the city with poor connectivity, low density, and limited design quality, hindering the emergence of vibrant clusters. Finally, collaboration between academia, startups, and established companies was limited, reducing synergies and knowledge transfer.

To deal with these issues, Aretian applied its rigorous, data-driven urban analytics methodology to design a future-ready, multi-layered masterplan. Using advanced geospatial and network analysis to identify talent flows, industrial clusters, and infrastructure gaps, the plan links Sant Feliu de Llobregat’s innovation district with the wider Barcelona ecosystem of transport, universities, and industry. It identifies strategic areas for targeted industrial and innovation specialization, focusing on sectors with comparative global advantage—advanced manufacturing (metals, electronics, textiles), pharmaceuticals and digital/software industries. The masterplan also proposes dedicated zones for research centers, innovation hubs, startups, and production facilities, supported by partnerships with universities, companies, and research hospitals to accelerate knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. Finally, the project also introduced a human-centered polycentric design, with a dynamic urban structure that maximizes density and connectivity while balancing housing, offices, green areas, and production spaces to foster social interaction. 

Knowledge domains of the Sant Feliu Innovation District Masterplan.

The outcomes of the Sant Feliu de Llobregat Innovation District Masterplan, as recommended by Aretian, are set to be transformative. By 2040, the city is expected to triple its current innovation employment intensity and to host up to 18,000 jobs, with at least 35% in innovation-intensive sectors. Economic impact is projected to double local GDP, from €1,050M to €2,250M, by attracting high-value industries, expanding R&D, and boosting exports and entrepreneurship. In addition, a robust innovation pipeline, composed of new research centers, technology transfer nodes, incubators, and advanced production facilities, will strengthen the full innovation lifecycle (from research to market). A sectoral specialization will also position the city as a benchmark ecosystem in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and pharmaceuticals. Finally, urban regeneration will unlock the city’s development potential, combining design excellence, improved connectivity, and high-quality public spaces. Aretian’s masterplan envisions an accessible, sustainable, and human-centered environment that enhances green mobility, community well-being, and overall quality of life. By implementing Aretian’s science-backed masterplan, Sant Feliu de Llobregat is poised to become a premier innovation hub within the Barcelona metropolitan region—combining economic competitiveness, social vitality, and urban sustainability in a model that can inspire other cities worldwide.

“The collaboration with Aretian has enabled us to apply city science to rigorously analyze the present and future of Sant Feliu’s economic activity areas, and to open a process of joint reflection with local stakeholders. Aretian’s urban planning and knowledge-economy strategy for the future Innovation District represents a strategic commitment to modernizing our industrial areas, generating opportunities, attracting talent and investment, and positioning Sant Feliu within the knowledge economy. Aretian’s expertise has provided a clear, innovative, and data-driven vision that reinforces our commitment to a more sustainable, competitive, and future-ready city.”

City of Sant Feliu de Llobregat.

Detail view of the Sant Feliu Innovation District Masterplan.