Researcher in water and agricultural economics.
Presentation
Mario Ballesteros-Olza is a researcher at IMDEA Water Institute, within the Economic and Institutional Analysis Group. He holds a degree in Environmental Sciences, a Master’s in Sustainable Water Management and a PhD in Economics and Business. His work focuses on water and agricultural economics, climate change adaptation and circular economy, with applications in both rural and urban water systems. He has combined economic analysis, systems modelling and stakeholder engagement to support evidence-based decision-making across several national and European research projects and applied consultancies with institutions such as the EIB, the EC and WWF. He has applied a range of system-oriented methods, including participatory approaches and tools such as Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, to analyse complex interactions between water, agriculture, policy and society.
What I can bring to this network ?
I bring applied experience in the use of systems approaches to address water and agricultural challenges, with a strong focus on bridging research, policy and practice. My work combines participatory and modelling tools, such as Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, to support knowledge elicitation and decision-making processes. I also have experience working closely with stakeholders, public institutions and international organisations in complex socio-ecological contexts.
What I seek in this network ?
I am interested in collaborating around applied systems approaches for water and agricultural challenges, particularly where economic analysis, modelling and stakeholder engagement intersect. I am also keen to explore how AI tools can complement systems thinking and support decision-making in the water sector.
