Manuel Gonzalez Lopez

Manuel Gonzalez Lopez is a Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences. He is an active member of the ICEDE research group focused on Innovation, Structural Change and Development.

His educational background includes:

• Doctorate in Economics from the University of Santiago de Compostela (2007)
• Additional studies at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Dr. Gonzalez Lopez specializes in Applied Economics with research interests spanning innovation systems, economic geography, and regional development in peripheral economies. His doctoral work examined "Growth and territorial dynamics of knowledge-intensive business services and their role in the innovation system in peripheral economies: the Galician case." His research contributes to understanding economic development through the lens of innovation and structural change in regions like Galicia.

Professionally, he has extensive experience with multiple publications in national and international journals and participation in European research projects. He has also bridged academia with practical applications through consulting work in European projects and development cooperation, having co-founded Devalar Consultoría Europea under USC's entrepreneurship programs.

Dr. Gonzalez Lopez maintains a dual career path, having served as Mayor of Outes from 2019 to February 2025, demonstrating his commitment to applying economic expertise in regional governance and development policy.