DATAMITE is an ambitious project with a consortium of 26 organisations from 11 countries, but beyond the numbers are the people. With the series “Meet the people behind DATAMITE” we want to introduce the people who work every day to achieve our ambitious goal: to deliver a modular, open-source and multi-domain Framework to improve data monetising, interoperability, trading and exchange in the form of software modules, training and business materials for European companies, empowering them to become new relevant players in the data economy.
Today we interview Montserrat González Ferreiro, Senior Strategy and Innovation Officer and Service Portfolio Manager at the EGI Foundation.
Briefly introduce yourself
I am Montserrat González Ferreiro, Senior Strategy and Innovation Officer and Service Portfolio Manager at the EGI Foundation. I lead strategic initiatives, oversee the full lifecycle of EGI services, and champion innovative applications of research infrastructures to advance Science and support the scientific community.
What is your role in the DATAMITE project?
I am a team member of WP4: Beyond Sharing – A Business & Quality Approach to Foster the European Data Economy, focusing on the first three tasks of this work package. I have contributed to developing the Analytic Process Network (ANP) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodologies tailored for DATAMITE, co-authored related publications, and supported other tasks within the work package.
What motivates you to work in the fields of data, innovation or digital transformation?
I am driven by the transformative potential of data and digital innovation to enhance research, decision-making and societal impact. I enjoy turning complex needs into strategic opportunities and helping research organisations and projects unlock the full value of innovative, high-quality services and tools.
What do you hope to learn or achieve through your involvement in DATAMITE?
Through DATAMITE, I hope to deepen my understanding of best practices in business and quality management within the European data economy, particularly in the context of research infrastructures. I aim to contribute to sustainable, high-impact approaches for data sharing and reuse, while learning from the diverse expertise of project partners. Collaborating with my DATAMITE colleagues has been highly rewarding, leading to fruitful outcomes such as publications and tool development. Ultimately, I hope to translate these insights into practical strategies that help research organisations unlock the full potential of their data and services for the benefit of society.
What professional strengths or skills do you bring to the project?
I began my career in the private sector before moving into senior roles supporting the European research ecosystem, holding leadership positions at institutions such as BSC, ELIXIR Hub, and EMBL-EBI, and currently at the EGI Foundation. I have long-standing involvement in key European initiatives, including PRACE and EOSC projects since 2017. I hold an MBA in Management of Research Infrastructures, a BSc and MSc in Telecommunications Engineering, a Postgraduate Diploma in Parallel Computing Architectures for Science, and certifications in project management (PMP®), data protection, IT service management (FitSM Expert), and agile methodologies (PSM®, PSPO®).
What originally led you to your current career path?
My career path emerged from a combination of curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact in research and innovation. Starting in the private sector as a technical consultant and IT project manager, I developed a strong foundation in problem-solving and project execution. Over time, I was drawn to the European research ecosystem, where I could apply my skills strategically to support large-scale infrastructures and collaborative initiatives that advance science and society.
Do you have a short personal motto or guiding principle that reflects how you approach your work?
My guiding principle is: “Complex challenges are opportunities for meaningful impact.” I approach my work by seeking strategic solutions that not only address immediate problems but also create lasting value for research communities and society. Collaboration, curiosity, and innovation guide how I tackle each task.
Which challenges in your work inspire you to improve or innovate?
I am particularly inspired by challenges that involve coordinating distributed research infrastructures, aligning diverse stakeholders, and translating complex technical needs into practical, high-quality services. These challenges motivate me to innovate in strategy, processes, and service delivery, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and societal impact.
What impact do you believe DATAMITE can have on European companies in the coming years?
DATAMITE has the potential to strengthen the European data economy by providing businesses with frameworks and tools to adopt best practices in data management, quality assurance, and innovation. By fostering data sharing, reuse, and interoperability, the project can help companies create higher-value services, improve decision-making, and enhance competitiveness, while contributing to a more sustainable and collaborative digital ecosystem across Europe.
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