Pedro Varela Vazquez

Pedro Varela Vázquez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Santiago de Compostela's Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences. He holds a PhD in Economic Development and Innovation (2016) with Extraordinary Doctoral Award and International Mention, and a Graduate degree in Economics (2010) with National Award for Academic Excellence. His research focuses on business history, innovation policies, renewable energy economics, and sectoral development, with specialization in Galician economic development.

Research Focus

His work examines:

• Historical analysis of Galicia's maritime industries and development policies
• Socioeconomic impacts of renewable energy transitions
• Innovation policy implementation in peripheral regions
• Evolution of Spanish industrial sectors through institutional lenses

Methodologically, he combines quantitative impact assessment with historical institutional analysis.

Awards and Recognition

• National Award for Academic Excellence (2010)
• Extraordinary Doctoral Award (2016)
• International Mention for PhD (2016)
• FPU Scholarship (Ministry of Education)
• Predoctoral Fellowship (Xunta de Galicia)

Research Leadership

He coordinates projects examining renewable energy implementation and EU innovation policies, with international collaborations including Aalborg University. As member of GESPIC research group, he investigates Atlantic cultural landscapes and sectoral histories.