IM is a public research consortium founded in 1984 and based at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Its primary mission is to provide data, information, and knowledge to enhance strategic capacities of public administrations in the metropolitan region of Barcelona and foster collaboration among public, private and social entities to drive public innovation. Core activities include research, training, and dissemination. IM is composed of specialised teams (housing, environment, economy, mobility, governance, social cohesion, and security), with a staff of 77 members.