Esteban Pelayo is a recognised innovation and regional development leader with more than 25 years of experience supporting businesses, universities and public organisations across Europe. As Managing Director of the Alicante Science Park, he leads initiatives that foster R&D collaboration, technology transfer, internationalisation, talent attraction and access to funding for innovative companies. His international experience includes serving as Director of EURADA, where he strengthened cooperation among regional development and innovation agencies across Europe. Esteban has participated in more than 25 EU-funded innovation projects and has worked across over 30 countries, building partnerships between academia, industry, government and civil society. He also serves as an external expert for the European Commission, contributing to the evaluation and development of research, innovation and regional development programmes. His expertise spans innovation ecosystems, intellectual property management, knowledge valorisation and the creation of high-impact international collaborations.