Exclusive Interviews with the New SPOT Nordic Team: David Pereira de Castro
- SPOT Nordic
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Sharing his time between Portugal, Denmark, the Nordic countries, and occasionally around the world, it’s time to meet David Pereira de Castro, President of SPOT Nordic. His academic, professional, and personal journey exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and excellence that our association stands for. He can’t resist a good gathering or a freshly grilled fish right out of the sea. 🐟🌍
▶️ Who are you? I'm David Pereira de Castro, originally from Portugal and currently living in Copenhagen, Denmark. I'm a PhD researcher at the Department of Organization at Copenhagen Business School, where I focus on International Political Economy, Global Finance, and how large multinational corporations operate. My research explores topics such as global wealth chains, sustainable finance, and greenwashing practices ♻️🌍.
Personally, I'm deeply interested in green transition projects and organizational transformations, especially in the European and North American context 🌱.
In the future, I aim to continue contributing to academia through teaching and research, while also strengthening ties between Portugal and the Nordic countries, fostering scientific diplomacy and international collaboration 🤝.
▶️ What do you do? I’m a researcher at Copenhagen Business School, primarily studying how multinational companies operate globally, with a particular focus on finance, sustainability, and corporate strategies 💼.
My goal is to contribute to a better understanding of complex issues such as global value chains, responsible financial practices, and green transitions. I'm also the President of SPOT Nordic, where I work to connect Portugal with Northern Europe, promoting scientific partnerships and knowledge diplomacy 🌐.
Alongside that, I lead projects in strategic consulting and real estate investment, but my main focus remains research and its social impact 🧠.
▶️ What’s a typical day like? A typical day starts early with taking my children to school—something I truly value. After that, it varies a lot as no two days are the same. I often travel between the Nordic countries and Portugal, juggling multiple responsibilities 👨👧👦✈️.
When not traveling, my day includes research meetings, lectures, and working on data analysis or writing academic articles 📚💻. I also carve out time to manage SPOT Nordic and oversee my entrepreneurial initiatives. My days rarely end early, but they are filled with passion for everything I do 🔄.
▶️ What do you value most about living in your city and country? In Copenhagen, I value the high quality of life and the inspiring balance between modern living and sustainability—from cycling culture to green spaces and environmental care 🌳🚲. The city’s community spirit, mutual respect, and well-functioning social system create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere 🏙️. I also appreciate the coastal vibe, architectural blend of old and new, and Scandinavian design, which constantly inspire me 🌟.
▶️ What do you now appreciate about Portugal that you didn’t before emigrating? As an emigrant, I deeply appreciate Portuguese warmth, family gatherings, and our vibrant social culture—from the spontaneous café chats to long meals with loved ones ☀️.
I especially miss fresh fish, artisan bread, and the flavors of Portuguese cuisine. And of course, sunny days, open-air terraces, and the more relaxed southern lifestyle 🐟🥖.
▶️ What are the priority areas for collaboration between Portugal and the Nordic countries?
Several areas offer strong potential for mutual collaboration:
Sustainability and green transition: Portugal’s renewable energy innovations complement Nordic leadership in urban planning and circular economy 🌍.
Technology and innovation: Portugal’s growing startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial energy can greatly benefit from Nordic expertise in R&D and advanced technologies 💡.
Education and science: Partnerships in research, academic exchange, and knowledge transfer can be further developed 🎓.
Sustainable tourism and the blue economy also offer unique opportunities to merge Nordic management skills with Portugal’s natural and cultural assets 🌊.
▶️ Why did you decide to join SPOT Nordic? I joined SPOT Nordic because I believe in the power of community and collaboration. As a Portuguese researcher living in the Nordics, I saw the need to build stronger connections between Portugal and the region, while showcasing the talent of our diaspora 🌍. Leading SPOT Nordic is an opportunity to bridge academia, business, and diplomacy, while amplifying the visibility of Portuguese science and creating meaningful cross-border partnerships 💬.
▶️ How can you contribute to the team? I bring a data-driven mindset, strategic vision, and international experience to identify impactful projects and strengthen institutional collaborations 🚀.With my ability to manage complex projects and lead diverse teams, I ensure we stay focused and effective. I’m also passionate about motivating others, fostering dialogue, and promoting a team culture where everyone can thrive 👥.
▶️ Projects I’m most interested in at SPOT Nordic:
Mapping research collaborations between countries 🧭
From Science to Industry 🔬➡️🏭
Annual Events 🎤
Researcher of the Year Award 🏅
▶️ A final message to share with the world: I firmly believe that collaboration and shared knowledge are essential to building a better future. Whether in science, innovation, or human connection, each step we take together brings us closer to more inclusive and sustainable solutions. Let’s keep inspiring each other, exploring new ideas, and investing in the power of community to transform the world. After all, true progress lies in sharing 🌍✨
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