Mafini is holds a PhD in Economics of Innovation and has worked since 2013 as an Economist & Policy analyst at the European Commission DG JRC. Mafini’s current project focuses on Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation and Localized innovation policies for Sustainable Development in Africa. Previously, she worked on the analysis of research & innovation investments from the world’s top companies to inform the EU industrial and innovation policy agenda. Mafini has co-authored several international and European technical reports as well as scientific articles and policy briefs on these different topics.