Javier Hernández-Ros carried out Civil Engineering studies and holds a Masters in Business Administration. Joined the European Commission in 1986 and was involved in technology transfer and innovation policies. From June 2002 to December 2010 he was Head of the “Access to Information” unit, promoting legal initiatives to support the development of the digital content industry, notably the “Directive for re-use of public sector information”. He was responsible for the e-Content and the Safer Internet programmes for the period 2002-2005.
In January 2011, he took over as Head of “Cultural Heritage and Technology Enhanced Learning” unit, responsible for research and innovation actions in the domains of Technology Enhanced learning, Digital Preservation and ICT for Access to Cultural Resources.

In July 2012 the Directorate General underwent a reorganisation and he now heads the “Data Applications and Creativity” unit within the DG for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. It provides research and innovation funding for the creative and cultural industries and promotes policies for the digitisation and on-line accessibility of Europe’s cultural heritage.

Following a further reorganisation of the Directorate General in July 2016 he was appointed Acting Director of the Data Directorate.