Stavroula Alexiou is a PhD candidate at the Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, and a researcher at the Development Policy Laboratory. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International and European Economics and a master’s degree in International Economics from the University of Macedonia, as well as an MSc in New Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development from the University of Thessaly.

Her research interests include economic geography, regional development, spatial inequalities, EU integration, regional policy, regional convergence and public discontent. Her doctoral research examines the complex interplay between regional economic growth, political discontent and policy responsiveness across EU regions, with particular attention to increasing inequalities in the context of the EU’s ongoing processes of deepening and widening integration. Using quantitative and econometric methods, she has published in international peer-reviewed journals, including Regional Studies, Regional Science Policy & Practice and Growth and Change.

She has participated in research projects funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation and the Greek National Strategic Reference Framework. Alongside her academic work, she has professional experience as an economist and SME consultant, providing analytical and advisory support in the fields of entrepreneurship, SME development and the social economy.

She also has teaching experience as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate course Policies of Spatial Planning and Development.