Besiana Balla is an innovation strategist with a career that spans academia, venture capital, and public sector transformation. She is joining the Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE) at the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) as a Programme Manager. Prior to joining UFIC, Besiana served as Associate Director for Digital Government at the Lisbon Council, a Brussels-based think tank. She also brings several years of experience in government consulting, with a particular focus on the health and defense sectors. In academia, Besiana was a lecturer at Sciences Po Paris, where she taught and researched the history of technological revolutions. She later moved into the startup world with Entrepreneur First in Berlin, where she supported the development of deep tech ventures through talent investing. Now based in Gainesville, Florida, she is enthusiastic about bringing her international expertise to the OGRE team and strengthening strategic partnerships with leading global universities. Outside of work, Besiana enjoys swimming and exploring local food markets.
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