The economist (University of Graz) has been part of JOANNEUM RESEARCH since 2000 and started his career at the Institute for Technology and Regional Development. He was instrumental in establishing evaluation expertise at the Institute and in particular supported the international orientation in project acquisition with the European Commission and with clients in Germany. On 1 July, Ploder will take over the management of the POLICIES Institute. Through analyses and evaluations, this institute creates the basis for evidence-based decisions, supports implementation and stands for responsible research and innovation policy, location analyses and development, labour market and equality policy as well as innovation projects.
"Following an international call for tenders and an extensive selection process, we are delighted to welcome Michael Ploder as the new Director of POLICIES. He has been a valuable member of our management team for many years and has contributed significantly to the development of the institute as head of the Technology, Innovation and Policy Consulting research group since 2013. With his extensive expertise and in-depth understanding of our portfolio and our stakeholders, he is ideally suited to drive our goals forward. We are convinced that with his vision and commitment he will lead the POLICIES team into a successful future," says Heinz Mayer, Managing Director of JOANNEUM RESEARCH.
"We are in the midst of an all-encompassing transformation process that does not stop at economic and political decision-making processes. Our future path builds on the expertise, networking and recognition we have developed in recent years as independent evaluators, sound analysts and competent designers at European and national level," says Michael Ploder about the institute's future path.
Michael Ploder succeeds the long-standing director of POLICIES, Wolfgang Polt.
More: Retirement: Wolfgang Polt, Institute Director of POLICIES
