Ani Vashakmadze

Ani Vashakmadze is an Associate Professor at the Business and Technology University. For 12 years, she has worked in the fields of economics and commercial diplomacy, including at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael. She has academic qualifications in business, entrepreneurship, economics, innovation, and public policy. She possesses professional experience in management, project management, resource mobilization, mentoring, and research. Her research areas include creative industries and innovation management; entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems; entrepreneurship and the development of post-communist economies; sustainable development; and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She is the author of several publications and electronic books.

Ani Vashakmadze has experience working with international organizations. She worked as an economist at the World Trade Organization and currently holds the position of Deputy Chair of the Committee on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Public-Private Partnerships at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. She is a coach certified by the International Labour Organization. Since 2018, she has been serving as the Head of the International Relations and Donor Relations Department at the Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA).