The Innovation Festival Barcelona (IF Barcelona), organised by BCD Barcelona Design Centre, is an initiative promoted by the European Commission as part of the PRO INNO Europe initiative, aimed at raising awareness about the crucial role that creativity, design and innovation can play in the progress and development of society and in enhancing competitiveness in business and in the economy as a whole.

IF Barcelona is the first of six such events that will take place in various European cities up to 2011. As the project continues, Milan (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal), Tallinn (Estonia), Vilnius (Lithuania) and Kortrijk (Belgium) will take over from Barcelona, promoting their own international profiles as creative and innovative cities.

What's the challenge?
Fostering creativity and innovation and attracting new talent.

How?
Over a whole month, Barcelona will host a wide range of activities, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, congresses, prizes, routes, etc., aimed at bringing creativity and innovation to the widest possible audiences. The goal is to involve the public in general, as well as companies, entrepreneurs and public corporations aimed at demonstrating that creativity and innovation can respond to present needs and to the challenges facing society today, highlighting the key role played by design in driving innovation.

Other partners in the initiative include Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Barcelona City Council and ACC1Ó, who all provide BCD with their support, and 22@Barcelona and Barcelona Activa, which organise specific activities on the IF Barcelona programme.

What for?
To raise awareness amongst the general public and the business sector about the importance of creativity and innovation.
To familiarise children and young people with creativity and innovation as crucial factors in the market today.
To promote design as a creative activity that plays a crucial role in innovation processes.
To foster Barcelona's international standing as a creative, innovative city.
To encourage cooperation amongst different public and private stakeholders with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of our economy.