Harald Suitner holds university degrees in Philology (University of Salzburg, 1990), Economics (University of Innsbruck, 1995), and a post-graduate diploma of Vienna Diplomatic Academy (1997). He has gained 15 years+ experience in management of RTD projects in European Framework and other programmes. From 1999 to 2007 Harald was responsible for the international relations of SMEs in the geo-economy, and he was General Manager of GIS-Cluster Salzburg 2007-2010. The strategic collaboration of RTD-clusters with industries and public authorities has become his main area of activities. Since 2001, Harald has carried out project development activities in East Africa. He has established networks to public authorities, IFIs and private business entities in Tanzania. In 2007, he founded PROJEKTkompetenz.eu GmbH. Since 2016, he is president of AGENDA AFRIKA, the Austrian Institute for Collaborative Partnership with Africa.

Dr. Marie-Charlotte Hoffmann has completed studies in arts and holds an academic degree in medicine (1996). She has gained experience in fundamental research at Basel University (Neuroanatomy), where she first encountered technology-transfer projects. For PROKO, she has been responsible for development, management and coordination of H2020, FP7, CIP and INTERREG projects with focus on collaboration of industry and research clusters, smart specialisation strategies and roadmap development, as well as large-scale research and innovation projects. Tasks include proposal development, financial and administrative project management, coordination of internal communication and of dissemination activities, setup and management of project websites and e-learning platforms, organisation of project meetings, workshops and conferences,  as well as business plan development. Marie-Charlotte works from Düsseldorf, Germany.

Bernardo Mariani is a freelance consultant with specialist knowledge of China. He has substantial research, advocacy and management experience (from strategy and business development to programme design, implementation, evaluation and financial management), and a long history of working with civil society, multilaterals, governments and businesses operating in conflict-affected countries. Since 2021, he is a Senior Research Consultant at the University of Edinburgh, where he focuses on China’s role in global affairs. Previously, he served as: Head of China Programme at Saferworld (2005-2021); Director of Saferworld Consulting (Beijing) Ltd (2019-2021); Eastern Europe Project Manager at Saferworld (1999-2005); Research Consultant for the European Commission (2008) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2007); and Researcher at Amnesty International (1995-1999). Bernardo has defined and managed the successful implementation of over 30 research projects on China’s engagement in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and Eastern Europe. He has led strategies and operational plans for promoting socially responsible business practices among Chinese companies operating overseas. He also managed over 50 international seminars and workshops, presenting on issues related to business and peace, sustainable development, export controls, and non-proliferation. Bernardo holds an MA degree in political science and is the author of numerous publications.