Dr Paolo Gerli

Short bio

Paolo is Associate Professor of Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Edinburgh Napier University. He studies how public policy and community-led initiatives shape digital transformation in cities and rural areas. His research on broadband examines how infrastructure providers and local communities extend connectivity to places poorly served by the market.

Before entering academia, he worked in telecommunications regulation and policy in Italy. He has since contributed to international policy work on digital inclusion and co-authored UN-Habitat’s World Smart Cities Outlook 2024.