SPOT Nordic at the launch of Portugal’s new Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²)

On February 24, 2026, the Técnico Innovation Center in Lisbon hosted the public presentation of the methodology for defining Portugal’s national research and innovation priorities, within the framework of the creation of the new Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²).

The event brought together members of the Government, representatives from academia, the business sector, and the national scientific ecosystem, marking a pivotal moment for the future of public science and innovation policy in Portugal.

The methodology and the new strategic framework

The methodology presented aims to establish a structured, transparent, and impact-oriented model, enabling:

• The identification of national strategic priority domains;

• The alignment of science, technology, and innovation with national and European challenges;

• The definition of criteria for the new agency’s budget allocation;

• Stronger articulation between scientific research, industry, and public policy.

The creation of AI², resulting from the institutional reorganization of the national science and innovation system, represents a new cycle in science governance in Portugal, with greater integration between research and the economic valorization of knowledge.

Intervention by David Pereira de Castro: science, economy, and patient capital

SPOT Nordic was represented by its President, David Pereira de Castro, who emphasized in his intervention the importance of strengthening the link between science and the economy as a central pillar of the new agency.

David Pereira de Castro (President, SPOT Nordic)

In particular, he highlighted the need for Portugal to attract patient capital, long-term investment aligned with scientific and technological cycles, as an essential condition to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge from research into the economy.

The President of SPOT Nordic stressed that:

• Scientific excellence only generates structural impact when supported by appropriate financial instruments;

• Technology transfer requires stability, strategic vision, and sustained investment;

• The new AI² should assume a catalytic role in mobilizing capital directed toward science-based innovation.

He also reinforced the importance of science diplomacy and the international dimension within the agency’s strategy, ensuring that Portugal positions itself within global knowledge value chains.

International networks and strengthening Portuguese science globally

During the event, the role of associations such as SPOT Nordic and PARSUK (Portuguese Association of Researchers and Students in the UK) was also highlighted, as complementary structures connecting Portuguese scientific communities abroad with the national ecosystem.

SPOT Nordic President (David Pereira de Castro) and PARSUK President (Catarina Liberato)

The importance of collaboration between these sister associations was emphasized, particularly in:

• Strengthening the international projection of Portuguese science;

• Facilitating strategic partnerships;

• Supporting the attraction of talent, investment, and knowledge;

• Contributing to a truly global national strategy.

A new cycle for innovation policy in Portugal

SPOT Nordic’s presence at this decisive moment symbolizes the strategic reinforcement of collaboration with the new AI², in a context of deep institutional transformation.

Building the future of Portuguese science requires international vision, adequate financial instruments, and strong articulation between research, innovation, and the economy.

It is in this spirit that SPOT Nordic will continue to position itself as an active partner in consolidating a more competitive, more international, and more impact-driven scientific ecosystem.