Dr. Fernando Loaiza
Fernando is a Senior Research Fellow in Economics at the Net Zero Lab in the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition. His research examines how public policies, green industrial strategies, and emerging technologies can accelerate the transition to a sustainable, net-zero emissions economy. He focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of environmental policies in fostering climate technology innovation, strengthening carbon markets, and reducing carbon emissions. Fernando is particularly interested in how these policies can promote both environmental sustainability and economic equity, ensuring that the benefits of a greener economy are shared broadly across society.
Fernando holds a PhD in Economics and Finance from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where his dissertation explored the life-cycle effects of educational investments and funding on wealth, economic inequality, and economic growth and its connection to public policy.
Before joining the Net Zero Lab, Fernando worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy. During this time, he played a key role in securing the Horizon Europe 2021 research grant for the project, "The Care Wave and the Future of the Baby Boomers and Their Children." His research analyzed the economic and social implications of Europe’s demographic transition, focusing on the rising demand for long-term care. Fernando also collaborated closely with Bruegel, further deepening his engagement with policy-driven research and evidence-based policymaking.
Outside of his professional work, Fernando enjoys hiking in nature, wildlife filmmaking, and woodworking. Fluent in Spanish and English, with knowledge of Italian and German, he appreciates multicultural environments and values collaboration across disciplines.
