Celeste Varum is an economist with extensive experience in innovation and internationalization in various contexts, with a PhD in Economics and a Master's degree in Economics and International Business from the University of Reading (UK) and a Licenciatura degree in Economics from the University of Évora. Business Development at Galp, Associate Professor with aggregation at the University of Aveiro, has been advisor to the Ministry of Economy of Portugal at the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Tourism and at the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Industry, as well as collaborated with the European Commission on energy transition and Industry 4 policies. Her professional career unites business initiatives, government and academia, supporting companies and regions, as well as the definition of public policy to face the challenges to increase competitiveness.