The Supervisors
Francesca Spigarelli
Is Full Professor of Applied Economics and served as vice rector for EU policy and HR Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) implementation (2013-2022). She has been promoting interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation across Europe and beyond through the coordination of many EU-funded projects in frontline research. Her extensive experience in innovation economics, and R&I management, is revealed by her involvement within the G7 SIGRE WG of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and her role in the Virtual Academy, which indicate her influence at the highest levels of policy-making. Given such a wealth of expertise, she makes a crucial contribution to achieving REALISE’s objectives.
Vinod Aggarwal
Is Distinguished Professor in Political Science and a globally recognized authority on the political economy of high technology economic statecraft. His inspired New Economic Statecraft framework underpins the conceptualization of REALISE. His directorship of the Berkeley Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Study Center (BASC) and role on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab extend his influence beyond academia, bridging policy and practice, offering a unique opportunity for top-tier supervision and insights. His supervisory experience combined with executive education leadership, reflects his dual commitment to nurturing emerging scholars and equipping professionals with the strategic insights necessary for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
Nana de Graaff
Is Associate Professor in International Relations and PI of the VIDI Grant. She contributes specialized expertise in international affairs and global governance, offering exclusive insights into the exploration of the geopolitical drivers behind tech-sovereignty and its effects on global knowledge networks, which are core themes in REALISE. She also obtained the EU COST Action grant China in Europe Research Network (CHERN), acting as Chair of this Europe-wide network and reinforcing her stature as a leading scholar pooling research on Chinese global affairs and socio-economic engagements with Europe.
Paolo Azzoni
Is Secretary General and Lead Delegate in the EU Chips Joint Undertaking (CHIPS JU) Governing Board. His role as Chairman of the group of experts compiling the Electronic Components and Systems Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (ECS-SRIA) – the reference agenda for the 11 billion-euro CHIPS JU calls – makes him a key figure in shaping Europe’s ECS strategy, including semiconductors. He has an unmatched expertise and connection with European industrial R&I initiatives (TRL 6 upwards), technology transfer, innovation impact, ensuring that achieving REALISE’s objectives remains grounded in real-world applications.
