João Ferreira

João Ferreira is Acting Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. An expert in regional economic analysis, economic forecasting, and the economic and policy implications of structural changes affecting Virginia and other regional economies, João is responsible for the Cooper Center’s Economic Forecast for Virginia, which helps policymakers and public officials understand changes in the Commonwealth’s economy and its relationship to national economic conditions.  A major area of João’s recent research examines the rapid growth of data centers and its implications for economic development, electricity demand, infrastructure, labor markets, public revenues, and regional economies in Virginia and elsewhere. 

More broadly, João’s research focuses on urban and regional economics, input-output and regional economic modeling, energy and environmental economics, and the evaluation of public policies and investments. He is particularly interested in understanding how major economic, technological, demographic, and energy transitions affect regions differently and how economic analysis can inform public decision-making. João has published in economics, regional science, energy, and sustainability journals and regularly collaborates with researchers in the United States and Europe. He also teaches Regional Economic Analysis and Policy at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.

João regularly provides commentary on the Virginia economy, economic policy, and data centers to newspapers, radio, television, and other media, and via public appearances. His research and economic commentary have been featured in outlets including The Guardian, Virginia Business, WTOP, Virginia Mercury, 29News/WVIR, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Fox5DC.

João holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy Systems and a Master’s in Local Economics from the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Before joining the Cooper Center in 2023, he held research and teaching positions at the University of Aveiro, Rutgers University, and the University of Florida. Outside the office, he enjoys food, traveling, and hiking with his dog Dexter.