Transforming science into value: the mission of the new Agency

The creation of the new Research and Innovation Agency, announced by the Government in recent days, could mark a decisive turning point for Portugal. If it fulfills its potential, this entity could finally transform our scientific and technological ecosystem into a cohesive, results-oriented force capable of generating true economic value. To achieve this, it will be essential that the agency bring with it a clear strategic vision and effective coordination among all actors involved in the production and application of knowledge.

The talent exists. Portugal boasts highly qualified researchers, robust scientific infrastructure, and an increasingly diverse innovation ecosystem—universities, polytechnic institutes, associated laboratories, R&D units, interface centers, CoLabs, technology and innovation centers (CTI), and companies themselves. What's often missing is an integrated strategy that transforms this potential into real economic impact. The new agency will only be successful if it successfully integrates fundamental and applied research, technological development, and knowledge transfer in a continuous manner focused on competitiveness.

The creation of the Research and Innovation Agency will result from the merger of the Foundation for Science and Technology with the National Innovation Agency. Under the dual authority of the Ministries of Science and Economy, the new entity aims to pool resources, streamline processes, and make better use of available funding instruments. The ambition is worthy, but its effectiveness will depend on the ability to eliminate barriers and foster strong connections between fundamental science, applied science, and the market.

To have a real impact, this new agency must align priorities between scientific research and economic challenges, while maintaining the independence of fundamental science. It must also bring together all stakeholders in the ecosystem in multidisciplinary projects, in which fundamental and applied science collaborate from the outset, and promote the sharing of data and resources to avoid duplication of efforts. It will also be a priority to simplify and stabilize funding, enabling medium- and long-term planning, and to foster innovation and technology transfer by supporting research and development, prototyping, certification, and the industrialization of solutions.

In this context, technology and innovation centers (TICs) play a pivotal role. They serve as the operational link between research and industry, developing, validating, and transferring technology to companies. It is through their work that knowledge is transformed into value, embodied in new materials, products, services, and innovative and competitive processes. Ignoring or underfunding these centers would waste years of public investment and hinder Portugal's ability to respond to the two major transitions already shaping the present and future: the digital transition and the climate and energy transition.

The President of the Republic has already warned that he may veto the measure if there are doubts about its soundness. This caution should be used as an opportunity for the reform to be discussed with the entire ecosystem, preventing the new agency from being limited to an administrative change.

More Portuguese innovation is needed, and this requires an integrated vision, stable funding, and the political courage to coordinate science and economics. Only then will the new agency become a true engine to help boost our country's competitiveness.