Eleni Oikonomaki is an architect, urban designer, and researcher specializing in smart city planning and innovation ecosystems. She leverages programming languages to collect, measure, and interpret data for diverse design initiatives, including environmental assessments and urban planning. Her expertise spans urban design, spatial analysis, geocoding, and basic cartography, supporting research efforts in areas such as the twin transition (green and digital), technological innovation, and demographic trends. Additionally, she has executed research projects involving econometrics and feasibility studies, contributing valuable insights to the field.

“Identifying Innovation Determinants: An Empirical and Geospatial Analysis“

Her research project evaluates the dynamics of innovation districts using big data and geospatial analytics to detect innovation patterns and develop a framework for innovation assessment. Case studies in the US and EU contexts analyze indicators of past development trajectories to understand territorial impacts on “innovation-building processes.” By addressing four key research questions, the study aims to devise practical urban development frameworks for planners and policymakers to foster innovation in low-income and low-growth regions, creating more sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban environments aligned with the twin transition—green and digital. This research aligns with the fellowship’s focus, offering evidence-based insights and a roadmap for managing innovation districts, particularly in Southeast Europe amidst technological advancements and environmental challenges.