The School of Engineering at the University of Minho attended yesterday’s public presentation of the strategy for the new Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²), which took place in Lisbon.

Speakers included Raul Fangueiro, full professor at the EEUM, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Minho and member of the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, and Eugénio Campos Ferreira, full professor at the School of Engineering and coordinator of the Working Group for the Analysis of the National Research and Innovation Ecosystem.

The newly created AI² aims to consolidate the functions previously performed by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Innovation Agency (ANI). Fernando Alexandre, Minister for Education, Science and Innovation, explained the methodology that defines national priorities for research, development and innovation. For the Government, this structural reform will enable more coordinated funding, contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth.

The session’s programme also included lectures and panels exploring diverse perspectives, challenges and global trends, amongst other aspects. The event aimed to mark a turning point in the strategic approach to Portugal’s R&D&I priorities. UMinho’s involvement is considered essential, reflecting its active role in this ecosystem.