Patrizio Bianchi is an Italian Economist, full professor of applied economics and politician.

Currently he is the Regional Minister for Coordination of the European Policies for Growth, Education, Vocational training, University, Research and Employment of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government.

Prior he was the Rector of the University of Ferrara and Chair of the Foundation of the Italian Universities and formerly served as Dean of Faculty of Economics at the University of Ferrara.

In addition, he has been chair of the industrial policy think tank of Nomisma, member of the board of directors of IRI, the main Italian public holding company, president of the Italian agency Sviluppo Italia and member of the Commission for labour policies and manufacturing sectors at the National Council of Economy and Labour (CNEL).
Internationally, he has been an Economic Advisor to the Governor of Guangdong Province of China and member of several European and OECD working groups, scientific and expert councils.
Patrizio Bianchi is the author or editor of more than 30 books and more than 200 scientific paper, many of them on industrial policies, European policies, international economics and economic development. He is honorary professor at the South China University of Technology (China) and he has been visiting professor at UCLA (USA) and at the University of Toulouse (France).
Patrizio Bianchi was awarded by the President of Italy the recognition of knighthood ”Commander of The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” and  received the award of "Minister of Heritage and Culture and Tourism for the political and social sciences" from the distinguished Italian Accademia dei Lincei (Lincean Academy).
Patrizio Bianchi earned his degree, summa cum laude, in economics and political science from the University of Bologna, then he specialised, among others, at the London School of Economics.