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José Manuel Leceta appointed Director of the EIT
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on 07.01.14
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology's (EIT) Governing Board today appointed José Manuel Leceta as the institute's Director . Mr Leceta will lead the EIT's headquarters during the next four years.
Mr José Manuel Leceta, formerly International Director at CDTI, the Spanish Innovation Agency worked on the fostering of Spanish participation in European and international R&D programmes and the representon of Spain in R&D related forums.
As the EIT Director, Mr Leceta will lead the EIT Headquarters in Budapest and will work closely with the three Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) towards delivering impact in the European innovation landscape and results in the field of entrepreneurship education and the creation of new business.
"I congratulate Mr Leceta on his appointment as EIT Director" says Dr. Martin Schuurmans - Chairman of the EIT Governing Board. “Mr. Leceta comes at a crucial moment, when the EIT is increasing its focus towards becoming an entrepreneurially driven impact investment institute. The Board and I are confident that Mr. Leceta will deliver on the common aim of the EIT and its KICs to bring more innovations and more innovative people for Europe. I look forward to working together with him."
Mr Leceta is a respected specialist in innovation economics and has held the position of International Director at the Spanish Innovation Agency for the past six years. A technical engineer with vast experience in international collaboration, Mr Leceta is a strong believer in the capacity of pan-European partnerships to unleash Europe's innovation potential.
Following a rigorous selection procedure driven by the European Commission, the EIT Governing Board yesterday interviewed the candidates put forward by the College of Commissioners and took the final decision. Mr. Leceta’s appointment makes the EIT management complete and takes place within the context of the EIT hiring a number of high-profile strategists to lead its activities.
José Manuel Leceta biography
