Mercedes Bleda

Mercedes Bleda is a Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Strategy at the Alliance Manchester Business School (University of Manchester), affiliated with the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR). She holds a PhD in Innovation Studies from the University of Manchester and a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Murcia, Spain. Her research focuses on cognitive processes in organizational decision-making, particularly regarding corporate climate adaptation and public innovation policy. Key areas include sustainable innovation systems, policy evaluation, and the interplay between emotions and strategic choices in complex environments.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Economics, University of Murcia (Spain)
• PhD in Innovation Studies, University of Manchester

Research interests span cognitive biases in climate adaptation strategies, the role of emotions in decision-making, and the design of effective innovation policies. She has contributed to projects funded by ESRC, EPSRC, the European Commission, and the OECD, addressing topics like renewable energy policy, eco-innovation, and organizational resilience.

Her recent work emphasizes methodological innovation through simulation models to study belief formation and risk perception dynamics in climate change contexts. Collaborations include the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and CROMTEC, with international networks across Europe and Asia.

Grants and projects include leadership roles in initiatives such as 'Public Participation in Developing a Common Framework for Sustainable Innovation' (2014–2017) and 'Low-Emission Pathways for Aviation in the North West Region' (2007–2009). She advises on strategic innovation policies and has supervised three research students.

Her affiliations include MIoIR and the Sustainable Futures research beacon at Manchester. Current research explores institutional pressures on digital platforms, non-market strategies, and the socio-economic impacts of innovation policies.