Xavier Sala-i-Martín

Xavier Sala-i-Martin is recognised globally as a preeminent expert on innovation and competitiveness. As the author of the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), he annually assesses and ranks the competitiveness of economies worldwide. His GCI stands as the most authoritative and widely-followed index on global economic and business competitiveness, having modernised the traditional approaches pioneered by Michael Porter and Jeffrey Sachs. Governments and business leaders rely on it to inform and develop strategic policies for current and future competitiveness in their countries and corporations.

Between 2003 and 2010, Professor Sala-i-Martin served as a board member, treasurer, and president of the Economic Commission of FC Barcelona, significantly contributing to creating what many consider the best soccer team in history. Under his influence, FC Barcelona achieved an unprecedented feat in 2009 by winning all six championships in which it participated. This experience enhances his repertoire, allowing him to speak compellingly on topics of leadership and change.

Before his tenure at Columbia University, Xavier Sala-i-Martin taught at Yale and Harvard and conducted research at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) in London. He holds an economics degree from Barcelona and a PhD from Harvard University. Among his accolades are the Rey Juan Carlos Prize for Economics from the Bank of Spain and the Arrow Prize from the Health International Economics Organization. His innovative television program Economics in Colors, which explains economic concepts in an accessible manner, earned him the Zapping Prize. This recognition underscores his commitment to putting theory into practice and vividly demonstrates that he truly “walks the talk.”

With extensive experience in teaching, researching, and consulting, Professor Sala-i-Martin is ideally positioned to provide decision-makers with crucial insights on competitiveness and innovation in today’s volatile markets. As an accomplished educator, he excels at explaining complex concepts in a clear, engaging, and entertaining manner.

Renowned for his humor and insightful presentations, Xavier Sala-i-Martin is a sought-after keynote speaker for conferences around the globe. Although there are many brilliant economists, few can match his ability to explain and analyse with such clarity and passion. His compelling presentations make him a favoured event speaker at leading conferences, offering valuable perspectives as an economist, commentator, and futurist. Event organisers seeking a distinguished conference speaker need look no further.