This interview and blog post was prepared by PLOS One Senior Editor Jianhong Zhou. Bridging technology and sustainability across the EU, ASEAN, and Japan, Dr. Manuel Herrador Muñoz is a leading expert in AI, the Circular Economy, and Smart Cities. As a Senior Consultant, his work has secured over €200M in international funding programmes (e.g., Horizon Europe, CEF, EIC) for cutting-edge projects focusing on integrating digital transformation, AI and ESG principles.