Pilar Fernández de Alarcón
A short interview with
Pilar Fernández de Alarcón
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Pilar Fernández Alarcón holds a senior strategic position at Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón (ITA), a public research and innovation centre that supports technological development and knowledge transfer, especially towards SMEs. She has an academic background in telecommunications engineering, complemented by extensive experience in business development and industrial transformation.
This technological foundation has enabled her to lead initiatives where connectivity, data analytics and intelligent systems are key enablers for innovation.
Pilar has played a central role in applying advanced digital technologies—such as digital twins, IoT, and AI—to optimise processes in sectors like manufacturing and logistics, including the design of smart, resilient and sustainable supply chains.
She also coordinates multi-stakeholder initiatives, aligning technological innovation with sustainability and digital transition policies. Her leadership in gender equality initiatives reinforces her commitment to inclusive innovation ecosystems.
Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you got started in this field?
My professional journey began in the field of telecommunications engineering, where I joined applied R&D projects focused on industrial connectivity, wireless systems and real-time communication infrastructures. This initial stage allowed me to develop a deep understanding of how communication technologies underpin the digitalisation of processes across sectors.
Over time, I assumed greater responsibility in project coordination, leading multidisciplinary teams and promoting the integration of technological knowledge into real-world applications. This led to my transition into strategic innovation management and business development, identifying how emerging technologies—such as digital twins—could be effectively deployed to improve industrial performance, traceability and resilience. I have helped to orchestrate collaborations aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital solutions in areas such as logistics, manufacturing and smart infrastructure, always with a clear mission: transforming technological potential into measurable impact
Currently, my role is the Director of Knowledge and Technology Transfer where I oversee initiatives that connect technological innovation with industrial needs. Our work has a strong focus on supporting regional companies, particularly SMEs, in the adoption of advanced digital solutions, ensuring that innovation translates into economic competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term impact across the territory.
Have you ever doubted your abilities and why?
Self-doubt can arise, especially when navigating multidisciplinary environments where technological, economic and human factors intersect. Early in my career, the complexity of aligning innovation goals with industry demands posed a considerable challenge. However, I learned to value my capacity to connect technical teams with strategic decision-making processes. Working on projects involving digital twins, for example, required integrating engineering, data science, and business knowledge. This experience confirmed that leadership in innovation depends not only on technical expertise but also on the ability to generate shared vision and trust among stakeholders. Over time, such challenges became an opportunity to strengthen confidence and credibility.
Did you ever have the impression gender was an important factor on a raise, promotion, or key assignment?
I am a strong advocate of merit-based selection and believe that promotions or appointments to key roles should always be based on the individual capabilities each team member brings. It is the diversity of perspectives—aligned under a common goal—that leads teams to achieve the most meaningful results. However, in more conservative business environments, gender can indeed become a factor in career development—not necessarily due to direct discrimination, but because many women often need to work harder to believe in themselves and to fully acknowledge their own potential.
Diversity is one of the greatest assets in any workplace. Empowering individuals to develop their strongest skills leads to more resilient, cohesive, and high-performing teams. I have been fortunate to work in a research and innovation centre that promotes gender equality and where talent and commitment are recognised regardless of gender. As women in technology, we have a valuable contribution to make—not only through technical expertise but also by shaping inclusive and forward-thinking innovation ecosystems
During your career, have you ever been mentored?
Yes, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by experienced professionals who guided me through strategic decision-making and leadership development. These relationships were instrumental in helping me understand how to position technological centres like ITA as key drivers of industrial and societal transformation. Over the years, I have acquired valuable knowledge through the execution of numerous R&D&I projects, where I have worked closely with multidisciplinary teams and sector-specific stakeholders.
One of the most enriching aspects of this journey has been transferring the outcomes of these projects into real industrial contexts—across sectors such as manufacturing, mobility, energy, agroindustry, and health. Each transfer process brings its own learning, not only from a technological standpoint but also in terms of understanding the specific challenges companies face.
This experience has strengthened my conviction that mentoring and knowledge exchange are essential to transform innovation into impact.
If you could give some advice to your younger self or other girls, what would that be?
I would advise young women to embrace complexity, to remain curious, and to never stop asking how things work and how they can be improved. Technology is not just about systems and infrastructure—it is a powerful enabler to address real-world challenges. We must reclaim innovation as a tool for the common good. Tech for good should be the guiding principle: using technology to tackle global problems such as climate change, resource efficiency, health inequalities, and food security.
My message is to step into the field of innovation with confidence. You belong there. Surround yourself with inspiring people, look for mentors, and don’t hesitate to share your vision. Technology and innovation should be used to build a better society, and women have a key role to play in shaping inclusive, ethical, and impactful solutions.
Be courageous, and trust that your contribution can make a real difference.
