Simón González Ugarte

Simón González Ugarte serves as a Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute. His work focuses on digital trade integration, strategic analysis, and international trade policy development. With expertise spanning both academic research and practical policy implementation, González contributes to understanding how digital economy frameworks evolve across different regions and impact economic development.

His research interests center on digital trade metrics, regulatory frameworks for digital services, and the integration of digital trade policies across borders. González examines how data governance structures, cross-border data flows, and digital trade barriers affect economic opportunities, particularly in developing countries. His work bridges academic analysis with practical policy recommendations for enhancing digital economy competitiveness.

Analysis of González's recent publications reveals a strong focus on empirical measurement of digital trade policies through comprehensive datasets and indices. His research tracks global trends in digital trade regulation, with particular attention to the Brussels effect in Africa and data localization patterns. The work demonstrates how regulatory frameworks evolve over time and their implications for regional trade integration and economic development in the digital age.

González's professional journey combines academic research with practical policy experience. Beginning as a civil servant in Venezuela, he developed expertise in trade policy implementation before advancing to international research roles. His internship at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean provided the foundation for his current work on global digital trade integration at the European University Institute.

As part of the Digital Trade Integration project team, González contributes to developing critical research infrastructure that supports evidence-based policy development worldwide. His work on country-specific datasets and the Digital Trade Integration Index provides valuable resources for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to understand and improve digital trade frameworks across different economic contexts.