Institutional Capacities and Urban Management: Barcelona and the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

The increasing systemic crisis presents substantial challenges for local governments, particularly in responding to urgent economic and social issues. This paper studies the key factors that promote effective public action in times of crisis, focusing on the role of institutional capacities. Specifically, it analyzes three critical institutional capacities: Analytical, Organizational Management, and Collaborative. The authors propose a system of indicators for assessing each of these capacities, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding their impact on crisis management. The model is tested through a detailed case study of how the municipality of Barcelona and its local economic development agency, Barcelona Activa, responded to the local economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the positive influence of all three institutional capacities on the design, execution, and effectiveness of anti-crisis measures implemented by the local government. Furthermore, the analysis shows that while a fully deterministic relationship between institutional capacities and crisis management success cannot be conclusively established, the study suggests a significant potential causal relationship that warrants further investigation. These findings contribute to the broader field of urban governance by offering insights into the mechanisms through which local governments can enhance their resilience in the face of complex systemic crises.