Félix Hernández de Rojas | Competitive Analysis | Best Paper Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Mr. Félix Hernández de Rojas | Competitive Analysis | Best Paper Award

Mr. Félix Hernández de Rojas, UPM, Spain

Félix Hernández de Rojas (born July 21, 1973, Valladolid, Spain) is a dynamic digital business strategist and tech innovation leader, passionate about shaping the future of industries through digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technologies like AI and IoT. With a rare blend of hands-on experience in telecom, academia, and global digital ecosystems, Félix envisions business like an orchestra, harmonizing tech, people, and strategy to deliver value. His work bridges corporate development at Telefónica with academic mentoring and international digital consultancy, showcasing his belief in building ecosystems rather than isolated solutions. He continues to drive innovation and transformation with creativity and purpose across Europe and Latin America. 🌍✨

👤  Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Félix holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Telecommunication Engineering from Universidad de Valladolid (1991–1996), with a final thesis developed in partnership with Universidad Polytechnic de Madrid (UPM) and the European Union on Artificial Intelligence, knowledge engineering, and human-computer interfaces. He earned an Executive MBA (2003–2004) with international modules in Madrid, London, and Austin (Texas), focusing on VoIP and Centrex IP business models within Telefónica. Since 2021, he has been pursuing a PhD at ETSIT-UPM, researching the impact of digitalization on innovation and competitiveness within the EU and global economies. 📚🧠

💼 Experience

Professionally, Félix has spent the bulk of his career at Telefónica Group, where since 2009 he has held senior roles in digital business development, product marketing, and strategy. He has spearheaded initiatives across IoT, AI, and Industry 4.0, particularly in energy, industrial, and sustainability sectors. His responsibilities include working with Tier 1 clients, collaborating with start-ups, and scaling tech-based services across Telefónica’s digital business arms. He is also a prolific contributor to corporate blogs, an evaluator for innovation competitions, and a recognized figure at global expos and industry summits. 🚀🏢

🧪 Research Interests

Félix’s academic and professional research centers on digital transformation, competitive intelligence, platform business models, and the convergence of AI, IoT, and sustainability in modern industry. His current doctoral work explores how digitalization is reshaping the EU and global innovation landscape, with a focus on strategic competitiveness. He has contributed to high-impact Q1 journals and participated in international forums such as the International Telecommunications Society (ITS). His work emphasizes a systems-level understanding of how businesses must evolve to remain resilient in rapidly shifting digital environments. 🔬🌐

🏅 Awards

Among his recognitions, Félix was awarded Best Technological Telefónica Blogger (2018–2019) for his thought leadership on the company’s official platform. He also served as jury member for innovation competitions in Shenzhen and South Summit (2021), lending his expertise in evaluating next-generation start-ups. His leadership in supporting innovation ecosystems through Wayra.org and Telefónica’s open innovation initiatives further cements his role as a trusted voice in digital entrepreneurship. 🏆📢

📚 Publication Top Notes

The phenomena of spatial spillovers of digitalization and competitiveness inside European regions

Assessing the European association between digitalization and innovation

Juan Ignacio Palacio Morena | Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Mr. Juan Ignacio Palacio Morena – Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning  – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Juan Ignacio Palacio Morena’s extensive contributions to economic research, academic administration, and international collaboration make him a strong candidate for awards in categories such as: Lifetime Achievement in Economics and Education, Excellence in Economic Research and Policy Development, Outstanding Contribution to International Academic Collaboration His teaching excellence, policy research, and leadership in university administration make him a distinguished figure in applied economics.

Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha | Spain

Profile

Orcid

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Juan Ignacio Palacio Morena was born in Madrid in 1951 and laid the foundation for his academic and professional career at Nuestra Señora del Recuerdo School in Madrid. His early interests were diverse, including sports, as he actively played basketball for Canoe N.C. Beyond sports, he displayed an early inclination towards leadership, serving as the President of the Spanish Federation of Christian University Communities (FECUM). His passion for economics led him to the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), where he pursued a degree and later a Ph.D. in Economic Sciences. His time at UCM equipped him with a deep understanding of applied economics, labor markets, and industrial organization.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

career spans both academia and industry. Before fully transitioning into academia, he gained practical experience working for Fraser Española, EIDA, and AYSA, where he applied his economic expertise to real-world business challenges. His transition into academia began in 1976 at UCM, where he served as a professor until 1990. During this period, he developed a strong foundation in research and teaching, which later led to his role as a Spanish representative in the European Pool of Studies (EPOS), a European Commission initiative (1986–1991). Following his tenure at UCM, he joined the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), where he served in various capacities. His leadership roles at UCLM included: Vice-Rector for Research Director of the Department of Spanish and International Economic. He later became Vice-Rector for Economic Affairs at Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) and was a member of the Regional Agency for University Quality of Castilla-La Mancha. These positions reflect his expertise in economic policy, institutional governance, and academic administration

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning

Dr. Palacio Morena’s contributions to academia are vast, spanning teaching, research, and academic management. His research has focused on: Labor and Industrial Economics – Examining workforce dynamics, employment policies, and industrial transformations in Spain. Social History – Analyzing economic trends through the lens of social structures and historical events. Spanish Economy – Assessing Spain’s economic growth, fiscal policies, and industrial development. He has supervised ten doctoral theses and directed various postgraduate programs, shaping the next generation of economists and policy analysts.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Palacio Morena has been recognized for his excellence in research and education. His honors include: Doctor Honoris Causa from the Autonomous University of Baja California – A testament to his contributions to academia on an international scale. Four National Research Awards – Recognizing his groundbreaking work in applied economics and labor studies. Invited Lecturer at Prestigious Latin American Universities – He has taught at:

    • San Francisco Javier University (Bolivia)
    • Institute of International Economics, University of Havana (Cuba)
    • Autonomous University of Baja California (Mexico)
    • Fluminense University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
    • University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Palacio Morena’s research and teachings have shaped economic policies, particularly in labor markets and industrial organization. His work in international economic studies has contributed to policy discussions and academic debates worldwide. His administrative roles at UCLM and UIMP helped strengthen institutional research frameworks, improve academic quality, and foster global collaborations. Through his mentorship, he has influenced numerous researchers and professionals who continue to contribute to the field of economics.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Even in retirement, Dr. Palacio Morena remains an active contributor to economic scholarship and education. His ongoing collaborations, research publications, and mentorship ensure that his influence endures. His legacy is defined by: A lifetime of academic excellence and research impact. International collaborations that bridge economic research between Spain and Latin America. A commitment to mentoring future economists and policymakers.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Juan Ignacio Palacio Morena’s career is a testament to dedication, intellectual rigor, and academic leadership. His contributions to economic research, teaching, and institutional development have had a lasting impact in Spain and Latin America. His recognition as a Doctor Honoris Causa, his multiple research awards, and his leadership in economic education reinforce his status as an eminent scholar. As he continues to contribute as a collaborating professor and researcher, his legacy remains influential, inspiring future generations of economists and academics.

📚Publications

Full Competition and Innovation

Authors: Juan Ignacio Palacio Morena; Alejandro Mungaray; LIZBETH SALGADO; Jaciel Ramsés Méndez-León

Journals: Sustainability