Clàudia
Canals.

I am an economist and CEO of Avançsa, a Catalan Government-sponsored venture capital firm supporting strategic investments in industrial and technology companies, fostering innovation and strengthening Catalonia's business ecosystem. As part of my role, I serve on the boards of directors of several companies, including IDIADA and NEOS Surgery.

Before joining Avançsa, I spent 16 years at CaixaBank Research, where I progressed to the position of Lead Economist. My work covered a broad range of macroeconomic and international economic issues, including the US economy, emerging markets—particularly China and Latin America—and Spain's external sector.

I hold a PhD in Economics from Columbia University. My academic research has focused primarily on international trade and offshoring, with publications in international academic journals including the Journal of Development Economics and the Review of International Economics.

I have also been involved in university teaching, most recently at ESCI-UPF, and serve on the Editorial Board of Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals.