Extensive career entirely devoted to place-based development and innovative urban policies, with a special focus on firm performance, innovation spaces, attractiveness and the role of cities as key actors for change. More recently, I have been quite engaged with culture and heritage as drivers for sustainable growth. Past positions include CEO of the local development agency of Seville [Sevilla Global] and studies and planning executive at the regional development agency of Andalusia. I started as international expert in 2007 through my own advisory boutique and have been regularly appointed [four times so far] as Lead Expert for URBACT networks plus several appointments as ad-hoc expert as well. In this and other EU-funded frameworks [Horizon Europe, Interreg...] I have designed and conducted large-scale, transnational peer learning and capacity building projects leading to concrete action planning on a variety of themes [creative industries, city branding, smart specialisation, urban heritage...] giving direct support to over 60 cities and local authorities.