Strengthening Technology Innovation and Collaboration with an Established NOS-INL Memorandum of Understanding

On 30 April, INL brought together Portugal’s leading technology and innovation stakeholders in a strategic initiative to accelerate the nation’s position within Europe’s innovation landscape. Organised jointly by NOS Comunicações and INL, the session convened representatives from technology companies, scientific institutions and public entities to map collaboration opportunities and identify synergies across Portugal’s research and industrial sectors. The meeting underscored a collective commitment to strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem whilst positioning Portugal as a competitive hub for cutting-edge technological advancement. Significantly, NOS Comunicações and INL formalised their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), cementing a commitment to sustained collaboration in driving Portugal’s technological innovation agenda.

The day’s programme focused on two critical areas for Portugal’s technological future: dual-use technologies and innovation financing, with an opening statement grounded in recognition that the alignment of scientific excellence, innovation and scientific policy has become of paramount importance. Panel discussions examined Portugal’s potential as a hub for dual-use technology development, describing applications for both civilian and defence needs, whilst exploring the financing instruments available to support collaborative ventures and research initiatives. Representatives from the Portuguese Space Agency spoke to the strategic imperative of space autonomy versus capacity, underscoring Portugal’s need to develop sovereign technological capabilities within the broader European context. Keynote remarks from INL Director General Clivia Sotomayor and NOS Comunicações Board Member João Ricardo Moreira set the tone for substantive engagement, with sessions led by sector specialists. The agenda prioritised knowledge sharing and the identification of concrete collaboration pathways between research centres, industry, startups and public entities, leveraging INL’s position as a neutral, trusted and mission-oriented platform.

Closing remarks from Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo, alongside INL Deputy Director General Ado Jório and CCDR-N President Álvaro Santos, reinforced government backing for Portugal’s participation in European programmes for innovation and technological competitiveness. The summit concluded with an extended networking cocktail, enabling attendees to formalise partnerships and explore joint initiatives.

The initiative reflects Portugal’s broader ambition to harness its research capabilities and institutional strengths to become a significant player in Europe’s innovation economy, particularly within strategic sectors including nanotechnology, space, and dual-use defence technologies, underpinned by a collaborative framework between industry and the research community.