Validated Expert info
Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:
- The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
- Thematic expertise:
> Finance and Resources
> Culture
> Local Economy - Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
> Integrated and participatory design of strategies
Summary
Ignacio Rada is the CEO of IkerConsulting, a specialized firm in fundraising and management of European Territorial Cooperation projects. He provides consulting services to public authorities for their territorial policy strategies and private organizations for innovation, investment, and capacity-building processes.
With over 20 years of experience, Ignacio has coordinated transnational multidisciplinary working teams across the European Union. He has promoted the exchange of experiences in urban and interregional environments, contributing to the enhancement of local and regional capacities to improve policy instruments.
He has proven expertise in innovation, business model definition, funding opportunities and investments, entrepreneurship, and culture. His experience spans projects co-financed by European programs for territorial cooperation (Interreg Europe, Interreg Baltic Sea Region, Interreg SUDOE, Interreg North Sea Region), research (VI Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, e-content), and culture (Creative Europe).
Currently, Ignacio is working on strengthening the citizen participatory process and reviewing the composition, structure, and functioning of the Bilbao Citizens' Council, a consultative and deliberative body of the city government on key issues and strategic initiatives.
He is also involved in defining the methodology and evaluating candidatures for the international 'The Bay Visioning Awards', launched in Bilbao in 2024. Supported by urban and regional authorities and leading companies, this award recognizes international urban best practices. Additionally, he participates in the methodological definition and coordination of urban good practice exchanges within a new network of cities launched by the Singapore authorities. This network includes cities awarded the 'Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize' from its inception to the present, such as Bilbao, New York, Seoul, Suzhou, Medellin, Vienna, and Mexico City.
With his extensive background and experience in EU and international projects, Ignacio strongly believes in the value and impact of transnational learning exchanges. He enjoys working with colleagues from various cities, which are of special interest to him due to their dense populations and significant concentrations of economic, social, political, and cultural activities. Cities represent a melting pot of identities, cultures, and people.