Martina Ferracane

Martina Ferracane holds dual academic appointments as Associate Professor of Digital Trade at Teesside University and Part-Time Assistant Professor at the European University Institute (EUI), where she leads the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) project. She also serves as Founder and President of FabLab Western Sicily, a non-profit promoting digital creativity in education. Her research focuses on digital trade policy, data governance, and the intersection of technology with public policy.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Law & Economics, Hamburg University (2017–2019)
• Master's in International Economics, Valencia University (Summa cum Laude)
• Erasmus Exchange at Stockholm University
• Max Weber Fellowship at EUI (2020–2022)

Research Interests: Her work spans regulatory frameworks for digital trade, data localization policies, and the impact of creative learning initiatives like FabLabs. She has published extensively on topics including EU adequacy decisions, trade restrictiveness indices, and the economic implications of data policies. Recent projects include a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of digital fabrication courses on student skills.

Awards & Recognition:

• Forbes 30 Under 30 (2018)
• Nova 111 List (2023)
• Atlantic Dialogue Emerging Leaders (2022)

Advocacy & Social Impact: Co-founded Oral3D (3D printing startup), listed in Forbes 30 Under 30. Spearheaded FabLab Western Sicily, training >2000 students. Active in policy advisory roles for UN, World Bank, and WEF. Founded Sicilian Valley network to promote innovation in education.

Labs & Initiatives: Leads the DTI project at EUI, collaborates with global institutions on digital trade datasets, and runs creative learning programs via FabLabs in schools across Sicily.