The Government of Catalonia in Spain is willing to encourage the adoption of 3D printing. According to their announcement, it will invest 28 million euros in the creation of an additive manufacturing centre called “Global 3D Printing Hub.” 
For Jordi Baiget, the aim of this project is to make the Catalan industry the avant-garde of the 3D and European 3D printing industry.
The hub will occupy an area of more than 10,000 square meters on a campus of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona. 5 million euros will be allocated by the government this year to launch the first phase of the 3D printing centre and 23 million euros will be paid by 2020 when the hub will be opened.
The installation will include an accelerator dedicated to young 3D printing companies, as well as an exhibition and certification centre for materials.
Companies such as HP, Renishaw and Ricoh all pledged their support for Catalonia’s new 3D printing hub, while academic and research institutions will all be involved in its development. The Global 3D Printing Hub will encourage innovation while bringing regional industry to the digital age.
“We are on the edge of a new era,” said Carles Puigdemont, president of the Generalitat of Catalonia. “We can and want to lead the industrial change with this strategic project that will make us more attractive and help us to attract investment.”
According to Ramon Pastor, vice president and general manager of HP 3D Printing, this digitization of production will lead to a paradigm shift in the commercial and social circles.