Marcos Álvarez Díaz
Redondela
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Gradiant, securing over €13 million in EU funding and driving digital innovation. Expert in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, with deep technical knowledge in communications technologies. Excelled in fostering EU-wide collaborations, significantly advancing research and innovation policies.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Public Research & Innovation Policies
Gradiant
Vigo
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Analyzed and influenced national and EU public R&I policies, shaping funding frameworks and strategic initiatives.
- Established and strengthened collaborations with EU policymakers, industry leaders, and research alliances to foster digital innovation.
- Led strategic R&I projects, securing partnerships and aligning goals with EU digital transformation priorities.
- Led initiatives in cybersecurity, AI, connectivity, digital transformation, and regional innovation policies.
Head of EU Programmes
Gradiant
Vigo
04.2010 - 03.2023
- Secured over €13 million in EU research and innovation funding, leading or overseeing more than 30 EU-funded projects (FP7, H2020, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and other programmes).
- Advised corporate leadership on EU policy advocacy, engaging with key stakeholders to influence funding frameworks across several lobbying groups (ECSO, AIOTI, 6G-IA and others).
- Advised executive leadership on EU research policies, identifying strategic funding opportunities, and driving an R&I fundraising strategy.
- Served as H2020 proposal evaluator for the European Commission
Research Engineer
University of Vigo
Vigo
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Conducted research in signal processing, satellite communications, and cognitive networks.
- Awarded the prestigious FPI doctorate grant, leading to international research stays (2005-2009).
- Developed models for digital transmission systems, contributing to EU-funded FP6 SatNEx projects focusing on digital transmission, signal processing, and satellite communications.
- Completed research stays at DLR (Germany) and University of Bologna (Italy), collaborating on communication systems and publishing findings.
- Contributed original research to my PhD thesis, focusing on nonlinear precoding and estimation for advanced communication systems.
Research Scientist
DLR - Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt
Oberpfaffenhofen
11.2002 - 12.2003
- Developed and simulated transmission models for aeronautical, terrestrial, and satellite communications.
- Conducted telecom engineering research EU-funded projects and industry contracts for EADS (Airbus) and Inmarsat.
- Published findings in scientific papers and delivered research reports to industry stakeholders.
Education
EU Programmes Management - EU Programmes Management
CDTI-SOST
Brussels, Belgium12-2010
Ph.D. - Telecommunications
University of Vigo
Vigo07-2010
Master of Science - Telecommunications Engineering
University of Vigo
Vigo, Spain09-2002
C1-level Equivalent - English Language
Advanced English Certification (C1)
Ourense, Spain09-1995
Skills
- Strategic and analytical skills: proposal writing, EU policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning
- Business and Collaboration Tools: Microsoft 365 Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, LinkedIn, Twitter, Jira
- Event and Outreach Leadership: Organized and led national and international workshops on digital innovation and EU research funding
- Technical Expertise: well-versed on a range of communications, digital and information technologies, innovation policies, project management
Languages
Spanish
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Italian
Intermediate (B1)
B1
German
Intermediate (B1)
B1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Public Research & Innovation Policies
Gradiant
03.2023 - 12.2024
Head of EU Programmes
Gradiant
04.2010 - 03.2023
Research Engineer
University of Vigo
01.2004 - 12.2009
Research Scientist
DLR - Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt
11.2002 - 12.2003
EU Programmes Management - EU Programmes Management
CDTI-SOST
Ph.D. - Telecommunications
University of Vigo
Master of Science - Telecommunications Engineering
University of Vigo
C1-level Equivalent - English Language
Advanced English Certification (C1)