Ani Vashakmadze is an Associate Professor at Business and Technology University. Has worked in economics and commercial diplomacy for 12 years (The Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael). Has an academic education in business, entrepreneurship, economics, innovation and public policy. She has professional experience in management, project management, resource mobilization, mentoring and research. Her areas of research are: Creative Industries and Innovation Management; Entrepreneurial Innovative Ecosystems; Entrepreneurship and economic development of post-communist countries (so-called Postcommunist economies); sustainable development; 4th Industrial Revolution.

Ani is the author of several publications and e-books. Has experience working in international organizations. She has worked as an economist for the World Trade Organization and currently holds the position of Deputy Chair of the Committee on Innovation, Competitiveness and Public-Private Partnerships of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Ani is a Coach of Entrepreneurs certified by the International Labor Organization. Since 2018 she has been working as the Head of the International Relations and Donor Relations Department of the Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA).