PCID Forum 2026: Connecting Portugal and Denmark through Science, Innovation and Diplomacy

How can we transform high-quality research into innovation with real-world impact?

How can countries learn from each other’s research and innovation ecosystems?

These are some of the questions at the heart of the PCID – Portugal–Denmark: Science, Innovation and Diplomacyproject.

On 10 September 2026, SPOT Nordic will bring this discussion to Copenhagen with the PCID Forum 2026 – Portugal–Denmark Forum on Science, Innovation and Diplomacy, taking place at Copenhagen Business School (CBS).

Organised by SPOT Nordic, in collaboration with the Embassy of Portugal in Denmark, and with the support of the Directorate-General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities (DGACCP) and AICEP, the Forum will mark the public presentation of the project’s main findings and recommendations.

Understanding what makes research and innovation ecosystems work

Over the past months, SPOT Nordic has conducted a comparative study of the Portuguese and Danish research and innovation ecosystems, combining data analysis with interviews involving policymakers, universities, funding organisations, researchers, industry representatives and members of the Portuguese scientific diaspora.

Rather than simply comparing indicators, the PCID project examines the structures behind them: the institutional models, governance mechanisms, funding approaches and relationships between research, industry and public policy that influence each country’s ability to transform knowledge into innovation and impact.

Portugal and Denmark have distinct research and innovation ecosystems, with different institutional structures, strengths and challenges. Examining these differences provides an opportunity not only to identify good practices, but also to understand what can realistically be transferred, adapted or strengthened through bilateral cooperation.

From analysis to dialogue

The objective is not simply to present a report.

The Forum aims to create a space where evidence can lead to dialogue, and dialogue can generate new connections, partnerships and concrete opportunities for cooperation between Portugal and Denmark.

The discussion will explore how research excellence can be better translated into innovation, how stronger connections can be created between universities, industry and policymakers, and how international networks can contribute to more effective research and innovation ecosystems.

Science diplomacy will be a central part of this conversation, particularly in a context where European countries increasingly need to combine scientific cooperation, innovation capacity and international engagement to address shared challenges.

Bringing together Portuguese, Danish and European perspectives

We are pleased to announce the participation of the Portuguese Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, alongside Portuguese, Danish and European stakeholders.

For SPOT Nordic, the Forum represents an opportunity to connect the bilateral Portugal–Denmark perspective developed through PCID with a broader European discussion on science diplomacy, innovation and international cooperation.

Beyond the Forum

The PCID Forum 2026 is not intended to mark the end of the project, but rather to help define the next steps.

The findings, discussions and connections created through PCID will provide a basis for identifying future areas of cooperation, developing new partnerships and exploring initiatives capable of connecting Portuguese and Danish organisations more effectively.

Ultimately, the ambition is to move from analysis to action, using science diplomacy as a practical mechanism to connect knowledge, institutions and people across borders.

Event Information

📅 10 September 2026

📍 Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen

🕒 14:00–16:30

The full programme and speakers will be announced shortly.