Miren Larrea

Miren Larrea serves as a Senior Researcher at Orkestra-Basque Institute of Competitiveness and Lecturer at University of Deusto, where she bridges academic research with practical territorial development work. Her career spans university research, local development agency practice, and policy-oriented action research, creating a unique interdisciplinary perspective on regional development challenges.

Her educational background includes a Degree in Business Administration and Management and a PhD in Economic Science from University of Deusto. These qualifications form the foundation of her expertise in regional economic systems and development processes.

Larrea's research focuses on action research methodologies for territorial development, with particular emphasis on collaborative governance, policy learning processes, and climate change responses. Her work demonstrates how participatory approaches can transform traditional policymaking into more inclusive and effective processes that address complex societal challenges. She has pioneered methods for creating 'action research environments' that facilitate sustainable institutional change.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward addressing climate emergency through action research frameworks, with increasing focus on regenerative practices, pedagogical approaches, and methodological innovations. Her work shows strong connections between theoretical development and practical implementation across diverse territorial contexts.

Larrea has been instrumental in developing the Etorkizuna Eraikiz Territorial Development Lab in Gipuzkoa, creating a model for long-term action research processes that produce tangible changes in governance structures. Her approach emphasizes the importance of both relationality and criticality in institutionalizing action research for sustainable territorial development.