Xavier Potau joined Technopolis Group  in 2013 and has developed expertise in the evaluation of public science and technology policies, with a particular interest in the fields of ICT, digital technologies, and engineering. Xavier is currently involved in the provision of Analytical Support for the UK Science and Innovation Audits (SIAs) for BIS, where he is responsible for developing a comprehensive dataset of regional research and innovation performance that builds on Open Access Public Sector Information. Additionally, he is working in a study on game-changing technologies in European manufacturing for Eurofund, looking at the impact of the Industrial Internet of Things in the European Manufacturing sector. Additionally, he is currently also contributing to the Interim Evaluation of Horizon 2020 Space Research for DG Growth, and the Evaluation of the European Institute of Technology (EIT) for DG Education and Culture.

Earlier this year, Xavier managed the RecerCaixa programme evaluation for the LaCaixa Foundation in Barcelona and the BIS Evidence Synthesis project for the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Xavier is also one of the national correspondents for the EU Regional Innovation Monitor in the UK, a project managed by Technopolis Group for DG Growth. Other recent assignments included a study on assessing the economic returns of engineering research and training in the UK for the  ESPRC and the Royal Academy of Engineering; and the study on the Case for Public Support of Innovation at the Sector, Technology and Challenge Area of the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Prior to joining Technopolis Group, Xavier worked as Project Technical Coordinator at Generalitat de Catalunya, developing their Strategic Plan for Research, Innovation & Technology Transfer in the agro-food sector. Prior to that, he worked for more than 5 years as a Technology Transfer and Business Development Advisor. Xavier holds Master’s and Bachelor degrees in Industrial Engineering, with specialisations in Thermal Energy and Industrial Heating and Cooling from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and University of Lleida (UdL) in Spain.