Ana Perić Hadžić, PhD, is a full professor at University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies. Currently she holds the position of Dean with main task to lead and manage all matters relating to the educational, budgetary and administrative affairs of the Faculty of Maritime Studies. She participates in teaching process on all level of study. She holds a PhD in Social sciences - Economics from Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka (2011), Croatia. She worked at several scientific projects financed by the Ministry of Science and Sport and many professional projects and studies related to maritime transport, research and industry. She has participated as project researcher and project manager on several European projects (Erasmus+, FP7, FP6, Interreg, IPA CBC, ESF, Horizon). She published more than forty scientific and professional papers that directly contributes to debates on transport and logistics, seaport organization and management, ports financing, port economics, PPP in port community etc. In parallel with her scientific education, the applicant has successfully completed several seminars related to the field of economically sustainable development, shipping and transport. She is a member of the Croatian Society of Economists (HDE) and member of Executive International Board of International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) with headquarter in Tokyo, Japan, Also, she is a member of various journal editorial boards, international scientific committees.