Xavier Sala i Martin Keynote Speaker

Xavier Sala i Martin is a world-renowned economist, professor, and influential thought leader in the fields of global economic growth and development. As an economics professor at Columbia University, he has been recognized for his extensive research on economic inequality, poverty, and the drivers of long-term economic growth. His contributions to both academic and policy discussions have shaped the global understanding of development economics and the future of capitalism.

He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University in 1990. Martin quickly emerged as a leading figure in his field, known for his groundbreaking research on global economic convergence, the role of technological innovation in growth, and the measurement of economic competitiveness. He is best known for his work on economic inequality, demonstrating that while global inequality between countries has decreased, inequalities within countries remain a critical challenge.

Before joining Columbia University, Xavier worked as a professor at Yale University, Harvard University, and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona and was a research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Research in London. In addition to his academic achievements, he is the co-author of the Global Competitiveness Index for the World Economic Forum, an influential tool used to assess and compare the economic competitiveness of countries worldwide. His insights have been instrumental in advising governments and international organizations on how to promote sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and address income inequality.

Martin is the author of several economics books including “Economia de la Intel.ligència Natural” published in 2023 which examines the history of humanity through scientific, technological, and social ideas that have allowed us to achieve colossal levels of prosperity. He has received multiple awards for his research, including the King Juan Carlos I Prize in Economics awarded by the Bank of Spain, and the Arrow Prize for his contributions to economic theory. His work has been widely published in leading academic journals, and his opinions have been featured in prominent media outlets, including The New York Times, Financial Times, and The Economist.

In addition to his academic and consulting work, Xavier is a regular keynote speaker at global conferences, where he addresses audiences on topics ranging from global development and economic competitiveness to the future of capitalism and the role of innovation in society. He is a leading speaker at financial events around the world.