
Dr. José Antonio Ondiviela
Director
Citizen-Centric Intelligent Cities Research Institute (UFV), Madrid

Dr. José Antonio Ondiviela is the Director of the Citizen-Centric Intelligent Cities Research Institute at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) in Madrid. His work focuses on creating human-centered, sustainable urban environments and driving innovation in cities worldwide, and he is leading global expert in smart cities, urban innovation, and digital transformation
With nearly 30 years at Microsoft, Dr. Ondivielaheld the role of Public Sector Government Industry Advisor for Cities and Regions in Western Europe. During this time, he developed and implemented groundbreaking smart city strategies, making significant contributions to transforming urban ecosystems. A cornerstone of his research is the “Worldwide Observatory for Attractive Cities,” where he has analyzed175 cities globally to uncover strategies for talent attraction and urban competitiveness.
His expertise is globally sought-after, being a frequent speaker at international events such as Smart City Expo, Mobile World Congress, and TEDx. Dr. Ondivielaalso serves as a strategic advisor to major organizations, including the City of Zaragoza, Fundación Tecnalia, and Fundación Metrópoli.