Carlos Franco is an accomplished leader in strategic management, innovation, and public–private development, with more than two decades of experience driving high-impact projects across Europe. As the Founder and Director of Gestión Estratégica e Innovación, he has guided governments, institutions, and organizations through complex digital transformation initiatives, sustainability programs, and large-scale strategic projects.
Carlos is also the President and Founder of the Developia Foundation and the Founder of the IKIGAI Institute, where he works to foster entrepreneurship, youth development, and social innovation. His career includes senior leadership roles such as Director of Strategic Projects, Director of Projects Departments, Consulting Area Manager, and National Coordination Unit Lead. Earlier in his career, he served as an ECOFIN Assistant at the Council of Ministers of the European Union in Brussels, contributing to key European economic and financial policy initiatives.
With extensive experience collaborating with regional governments, city councils, universities, EU-funded initiatives, and international organizations, Carlos has coordinated and delivered dozens of innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building programs. His portfolio includes involvement in major European projects such as H2020, LIFE+, INTERREG, ENPI CBCMED, Erasmus+ initiatives, and numerous digital-transformation and climate-literacy programs.
Carlos holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Strategic Management, a D.E.S.S. in International Trade, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business, complemented by international academic experience through the Erasmus program. He is fluent in Spanish (native), French (C2), and English (C1).
Known for his high energy, creativity, and ability to build high-performance teams, Carlos brings a strong passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful impact through education, digital transformation, and strategic development.
