By Holt Hackney
Llanos Cuenca is an associate professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and researcher with the Research Centre on Production Management and Engineering (CIGIP).
Her academic work focuses on enterprise management, IT governance, business process improvement, digital transformation, and organizational innovation.
Over her career, she has contributed extensively to research involving information systems, strategic alignment, supply chain collaboration, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in sectors, such as healthcare and education.
Through interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, and international collaborations, Cuenca has established herself as a respected voice in management systems, technology integration, and innovation strategy.
For these reasons and her involvement in Women in Architecture, we sought her out as our latest interview subject for the pages of A&G.
Question: How did you get your start in technology?
Answer: I started my journey in technology driven by an early interest in programming, which led me to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. From the beginning, I was fascinated not only by coding itself, but by the potential of technology to solve complex organizational and societal challenges. This curiosity led me to further specialize through a PhD in Supply Chain Management, where I deepened my understanding of how systems, processes, and technology interact in real-world environments.
Over time, my focus evolved beyond pure software development toward a more strategic perspective, particularly in enterprise architecture and the alignment between business and IT. This transition allowed me to move from building solutions to shaping how organizations design and govern their technological ecosystems. Today, I see my career as a continuous effort to connect technical capabilities with business value and long-term impact.
Q: What is your role at your company?
A: I am currently an Associate Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in Valencia, where I combine teaching, research, and industry collaboration. I am also a member of the CIGIP (Research Center on Production Management and Engineering), a multidisciplinary research group focused on the intersection of engineering, management, and digital transformation.
Throughout my career, I have also taken on several leadership roles that have shaped my perspective beyond academia. I served as Director of the Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering (MUIINF), where I contributed to the development of future professionals in the field. In addition, I held the position of Director General for Planning, Technological Efficiency, and Patient Care at the Conselleria de Sanitat, where I worked to align technology with public-sector needs, particularly in healthcare settings.
Alongside these roles, I actively contribute to the international research and professional community. I am a Program Committee Member of several International Conferences, part of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Production Management and Engineering (IJPME), and an academic member of the IFAC Technical Committee 5.3 on Enterprise Integration and Networking. I am also a member of Women in Architecture (WIA), supporting the visibility and impact of women in the field.
Q: What areas of technology have you developed the most expertise in?
A: My main areas of expertise are enterprise architecture, digital transformation, and supply chain management, all of them closely connected by a common theme: the need to align technology with organizational strategy. Over the years, I have focused on how organizations can design coherent technological ecosystems that support decision-making, efficiency, and adaptability.
I have also developed strong expertise in enterprise systems and integration, supported by certifications such as TOGAF 9.1 and several SAP certifications, including SAP Business Foundation – Integration, SAP ERP 6.0 EHP5, and SAP S/4HANA 1709. This combination of architectural thinking and practical system knowledge has allowed me to work across different layers of organizations, from strategic planning to implementation.
From an academic perspective, I have contributed to these areas through research published in internationally recognized journals, focusing on enterprise integration, supply chain optimization, and the role of information systems in complex environments. This dual perspective, academic and applied, has been key in shaping my expertise.
Q: Tell us about your philosophy?
A: My philosophy is that technology should always serve business and societal needs. It is not just about implementing tools or adopting new technologies, but about creating value through alignment, efficiency, and innovation. One of the main challenges I see in organizations is the disconnect between technical and business perspectives, and I strongly believe that bridging this gap is essential for success.
I also believe that knowledge should not remain isolated within academia or industry. The most meaningful impact comes from collaboration between both worlds, where rigorous research can inform practice, and real-world challenges can inspire new lines of inquiry.
Another important aspect of my philosophy is responsibility. Especially in sectors such as healthcare, where I have worked, technology decisions directly affect people’s lives. Therefore, efficiency must always be balanced with quality, accessibility, and patient-centered approaches. For me, technology is ultimately about improving systems that benefit society.
Q: What trends are you tracking in these areas and why?
A: I am particularly interested in trends in digital transformation, the evolution of enterprise architecture, and data-driven decision-making. We are seeing a shift toward more intelligent, adaptive systems, where technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are not only supporting decisions but actively shaping how organizations operate.
In addition, I closely follow developments in areas such as healthcare digitalization and supply chain resilience. These domains are becoming increasingly complex and require integrated, flexible architectures that can respond to uncertainty and change.=
Another key trend is the growing importance of sustainability and efficiency, from both environmental and organizational perspectives. Companies and public institutions are under pressure to do more with fewer resources, while also being more transparent and accountable.
All these trends are relevant because they redefine technology from a supporting function to a central element in strategy, governance, and value creation. Understanding and anticipating these changes is essential to help organizations remain competitive, resilient, and socially responsible.