Paolo Costa

Paolo Costa (born 1943) is an Italian economist and academic leader, serving as Rector of Ca' Foscari University of Venice from 1992 to 1996. He holds a degree in Economics and Commerce from Ca' Foscari (1968) and has held academic positions in Padua, IUAV Venice, and Ca' Foscari itself, including roles as Full Professor of Urban and Regional Economics. His expertise spans regional economics, urban planning, and transportation policy.

Post-academic roles include Minister of Public Works and Urban Areas (1996–1998), Mayor of Venice (2000–2005), and European Parliament Member (1999–2009). He currently chairs SPEA Engineering S.p.a., advises transport infrastructure projects, and contributes to international organizations like the OECD's International Transport Forum. His research focuses on transport networks, urban development, and European integration, with notable publications on TEN-T networks and pandemic economic impacts.

Costa has held visiting professorships at New York University and the University of Reading. His professional network includes leadership roles in universities, port authorities, and policy-making bodies across Europe. His work bridges academia, governance, and international policy-making in transport, urbanism, and regional development.