Helena Maria da Silva Santos Rodrigues is a distinguished academic and researcher whose scholarly and pedagogical contributions have significantly advanced the fields of business management, marketing, and innovation studies, particularly in the Euroregion of Galicia and Northern Portugal. With a career spanning decades, she has earned a reputation for excellence in academic leadership, interdisciplinary research, and international collaboration, marked by a deep commitment to the development of sustainable management practices and intellectual capital analysis. Her academic journey reflects a blend of rigorous scholarship and applied innovation, which has shaped her teaching and research directions in impactful ways.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Helena Rodrigues holds a PhD with European Mention from the University of Vigo, awarded in 2008 with the highest distinction—Sobressaliente Cum Laude. Her dissertation focused on the development of an analytical model for intellectual capital and its influence on innovation capabilities within the automotive sector in the Euroregion Galicia – Northern Portugal, a study that earned her the prestigious PhD Investigation Extraordinary Award in 2011. She also holds a Diploma in Advanced Studies from the same university, obtained in 2003. Her educational foundation is robust, with an MBA in Marketing and International Finances (1997–1998) and a Post-Graduation in the same field (1996–1997) from Lusófona University of Humanities and Technologies. She completed her five-year Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Organization Management at the Catholic Portuguese University in Oporto, and her academic qualifications are recognized in Spain under the homologated title of Administration and Direction.

Experience

Throughout her academic career, Rodrigues has contributed extensively to curriculum development and international educational projects. Notably, from 2011 to 2014, she was actively involved in developing the Innovation Module for a postgraduate specialization program in Management, Sustainability, and Quality of SMEs. This initiative, part of the RED EURECA project under the ALFA III Program, was designed to improve the sustainability and quality of SMEs across Central American universities. As an Emeritus Professor of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accounting at the University of Panama (since 2016), she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, real-world applicability, and fostering global academic networks.

Research

Her research interests are diverse yet interlinked by a focus on innovation, strategic management, intellectual capital, and sustainability in SMEs. Rodrigues has dedicated substantial inquiry to the dynamics of knowledge-based resources in organizational competitiveness and the integration of intangible assets into strategic frameworks. She is particularly invested in understanding how these elements drive innovation in cross-border economic regions. Her work often blends qualitative and quantitative methodologies, offering holistic insights into organizational development and economic performance.

Awards

In recognition of her academic excellence and pioneering research, Helena Rodrigues has received multiple accolades. Among these, the PhD Investigation Extraordinary Award by the University of Vigo in 2011 stands out as a testament to the scholarly impact of her doctoral thesis. Furthermore, her designation as Emeritus Professor by the University of Panama in 2016 reflects her continued influence and contribution to international academic collaboration and institutional development.

Publications

Helena Rodrigues has several peer-reviewed publications that exemplify her research scope and academic influence. Notable works include “Intellectual Capital as a Strategic Tool: Application to the Automotive Sector” published in Journal of Intellectual Capital (2009), cited by 78 articles; “Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs: Lessons from a European-Latin American Network” in International Journal of Innovation Management (2013), cited by 45 articles; “Cross-Border Innovation Systems in the Euroregion” in European Planning Studies (2012), cited by 60 articles; “Knowledge Management in Higher Education Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities” in The Learning Organization (2014), cited by 52 articles; “Measurement of Intangible Assets in SMEs: A Multidimensional Approach” in Journal of Small Business Management (2010), cited by 39 articles; “The Role of Intellectual Capital in Regional Development” in Regional Studies (2011), cited by 41 articles; and “Innovation Capacity and Strategic Human Resources in SMEs” in Management Decision (2015), cited by 33 articles. These publications collectively reflect her focus on intellectual capital, innovation management, and SME development, and they have been cited in over 350 academic works, indicating the relevance and applicability of her research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Helena Maria da Silva Santos Rodrigues stands as a prolific scholar and educator whose work bridges the academic and practical realms of business and innovation management. Her dedication to enhancing organizational sustainability, promoting intellectual capital, and fostering international academic partnerships has left a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader research community. Through her ongoing involvement in academic development, publication, and thought leadership, Rodrigues continues to shape the discourse around strategic management and regional innovation systems.