Davide Parrilli

Davide Parrilli is a Full Professor of Regional Economic Development at Bournemouth University Business School (BUBS), where he also serves as Coordinator of the PhD in Economics & Management and Research Output Champion for REF2029. He is a Senate Member (2023–ongoing) and actively contributes to academic governance and research strategy. His work spans across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, focusing on innovation, SMEs, and regional development.

Education:

• PhD in Economics and Industrial Development Policy, University of Birmingham (2005)
• MPhil in Development Studies, IDS-University of Sussex (1996)
• MSc in Economics, University of Turin (CORIPE) (1994)
• PGCE in Economic Journalism, University of Verona (1992)
• BA (Hons) in Philosophy, University of Bologna (1990)

Research Interests: Davide Parrilli specializes in regional innovation systems, SME clusters, global value chains, social capital, migration, and eco-innovation. His research explores how local economies innovate through context-specific (DUI) and science-based (STI) learning, particularly in transitioning and developing economies. He investigates how social capital and institutional frameworks shape innovation trajectories and regional resilience.

His recent publications (2024–2025) reveal a growing focus on eco-innovation in European SMEs, trade and regulatory impacts on African SMEs, and ethnic diversity in innovation teams. These works highlight interdisciplinary trends bridging economics, sustainability, and development policy, with strong empirical grounding across diverse regions.

Scientific Service and Recognition:

• Associate Editor and Editorial Board Member, European Planning Studies (2022–2025)
• Scientific Board Member, University of Florence Doctoral School in Economics (2017–2025)
• Research Committee Member, Regional Studies Association (2013–2025)
• Project Evaluator, ESRC and EU Commission
• External Examiner, University of Inland Norway (2024–2025)

Advising and Grants: Professor Parrilli has supervised over a dozen PhD students on topics ranging from innovation in Belarus to SME finance in Ghana. He has led research grants funded by the Basque Government (SPRI), EU Interreg, IADB, and local UK councils. His work integrates academic rigor with policy relevance, advising EU, IADB, and national governments on innovation and industrial development.

Labs and Teams: He is affiliated with research networks such as the Regional Studies Association, Jorg Meyer-Stamer Foundation, and EU-funded research consortia. His collaborative work spans institutions in Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Norway, and Latin America, reflecting a globally connected research profile.