Laura Ripoll Gonzalez

Laura Ripoll Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor in Governance at Erasmus University, Netherlands. Laura has expertise in the fields of Urban Governance, Citizen Participation, Sustainability Transitions, Strategic Communication and Place Branding. Laura is also a research associate at the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, in Australia.

 Laura uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods and combines insights from Branding, Management, Marketing, Communication, Network Governance and Sociology, among others, to study how the co-creation of strong city identities can assist urban sustainability transitions. Laura’s current research projects explore: place branding as a governance tool to support sustainable regional development (www.brandsus.eu); the cultural value of food as a key element towards urban regenerative practices; rethinking citizen participation in sustainability transitions; and inclusion in smart city branding narratives and associated digital transition policies.

 Laura teaches in the Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities and Governance of Migration and Diversity Masters subjects that explore the governance of sustainability, the relationship between Media & Governance, Public Branding and Strategic Communications for public and not for profit organizations, and Public Management. Before becoming an academic, Laura worked internationally in public diplomacy, mega-events, and strategic communication for cultural and not for profit organizations, as well as city governments.