Dr Nicola de Blasio, an expert in energy, technology and innovation, is a Senior Research Scholar and
Fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. He conducts projects on energy
technology, innovation, nuclear power and the energy-water nexus, among others.

Dr de Blasio serves as a nonexecutive board member and adviser to various companies and start-
ups. He has worked across business, academia, government and civil society to develop and
implement new business opportunities and establish connections that support research, educational
and convening initiatives.

With 20 years of global experience in the energy sector, Dr de Blasio is an expert in navigating the
challenges of strategic development and technology innovation toward commercial success. This is
coupled with his insight on the impact of an institution’s development and innovation activities on
other facets of business strategy, such as environmental, social, operational, geopolitical and
regulatory factors. 

Dr de Blasio began his career with Snamprogetti (Eni group) as a process engineer before becoming
an economic feasibility study specialist. Until 2015 he worked for Eni as vice president of R&D
International Development, where he was also responsible for start-up evaluation. He holds a
degree in Chemical Engineering from the Politecnico of Milan University, with a thesis in industrial
catalysis.