Sonia Pazos is Intergovernmental Relations Officer since September 2020. The aim of this office is to build, shape and set the scene for the implementation of a strategy for engagement with existing and the new Member States and other strategic partners of INL at the highest level. Before this and since June 2017, he served as Business & Strategic Relations Officer, using her experience, knowledge and network to promote institutional and strategic relations, establishing national and international strategic partnerships and projects for INL.

She has a thorough knowledge of Research and Innovation policies, methodologies and instruments, as she combines substantial experience in management positions at public and private entities: Director of Technology Centres at GAIN Innovation Agency (Regional Government), Innovation Manager at FEUGA Enterprise-University Foundation, as well as Public-Private Strategic Consultant and Interim Manager for 22 years. She was in charge of the design and implementation of Research and Innovation strategies, agendas, programmes, multi-actor initiatives and public-private partnerships for Industry-driven Research, innovation delivery and technology deployment. This has offered her extensive experience in institutional strategic relations at the multi-actor level, interaction and negotiation with both public and private organizations, governments and stakeholders from regional, national and international ecosystems.

Sonia holds an MSc degree in Business, Investment and Finance and a complementary background in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Innovation Management, Talent Management, PMO and Agile Management. In 2021 she obtained both Certificates in Scientific &Technology Diplomacy and in Exponential Innovation.