Ricardo Espinoza is Head of Vocational Education and Training (VET) at the OECD Centre for Skills. He has extensive experience in skills, education and training, labour market and social policy in both academic and international settings. At the OECD, Ricardo leads country and thematic projects in VET that support governments in identifying policy priorities, developing tailored policy advice, and strengthening implementation capacity. His analytical work has focused on quality assurance systems, performance-based funding mechanisms, digital skills development, and financing models for VET, higher education and adult learning. He has led or contributed to projects in countries such as Greece, Slovakia, Finland, Austria, Portugal, Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, Romania, and Bulgaria. A Chilean national, Ricardo holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.