Jaime Joel Rodriguez-Santiago

Jaime Joel Rodriguez-Santiago is a Junior Research Fellow at Tallinn University of Technology's School of Business and Governance, pursuing a PhD in Digitalization and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems under Prof. Aki Harima. His research focuses on how digitalization impacts entrepreneurial ecosystems and their role in sustainable transitions. Prior to academia, he worked in public accounting (Grant Thornton), nonprofit disaster recovery (Foundation for Puerto Rico), and founded Labfields to support small businesses in climate adaptation.

Education:

• PhD Candidate (2024–), Tallinn University of Technology
• MBA (High Honors, 2022), Boston University
• BBA in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude, 2013), Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Research Interests: Investigates the interplay between digitalization, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and sustainability. Explores how technology can drive socially responsible innovation and disaster-resilient economic systems. Current project: "Digital-Physical Hybrid Architecture of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems" (2025–2029).

Grants & Projects: Leading a €116k Estonian Research Council project analyzing multi-level ecosystem configurations. Previously managed economic development programs post-hurricanes Irma and María in Puerto Rico.