Portugal Announces Plan to Create New Super-Agency for Research and Innovation
The Portuguese government has announced its intention to proceed with a major restructuring of the national science and technology sector, which will see the extinction of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Innovation Agency (ANI). In their place, a new, unified body named the Agency for Research and Innovation will be created. The policy objective, as stated by government officials, is to create a more direct and efficient link between scientific research and its application in the market, fostering a more robust innovation ecosystem. This move represents a significant policy shift, aiming to streamline funding and strategic direction for science and technology in Portugal. The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to enhance the country's economic competitiveness by leveraging its scientific and technological assets more effectively.
The announcement has been met with considerable debate among stakeholders. The plan's origins can be traced back to a 2023 study commissioned by the FCT itself, which proposed a significant internal reorganization but did not recommend a full merger or extinction. That report, prepared by consulting firm LCB, suggested restructuring the FCT around scientific fields rather than funding instruments to improve focus. However, the current government, led by Minister of Education Fernando Alexandre, has opted for a more comprehensive overhaul. 'The objective with the extinction of the FCT is to bring science closer to innovation,' Minister Alexandre stated in a recent interview, confirming that the new agency will absorb the functions of both the FCT and ANI. He assured that the FCT's leadership would be involved in managing the transition.
The proposed reform has not advanced without generating political waves. The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has publicly admitted that he may use his presidential veto to block the legislation that would formalize the agency's creation. This has been interpreted in political circles as a significant 'warning' to the government regarding the potential risks and stakeholder concerns associated with such a profound change. In response, Minister Alexandre has sought to reassure the public and the scientific community, stating he did not perceive the President's comments as a direct warning and reiterated the government's commitment to 'reinforce' investment in science alongside the structural changes. The government's agenda is to push forward with creating the new agency, which it believes will better serve Portugal's long-term strategic interests in a competitive global economy.
The implementation strategy for this new agency is still under development, but it is expected to involve a complex merger of the distinct cultures and operational models of the FCT and ANI. The FCT has traditionally been responsible for funding fundamental research and academic grants, while the ANI has focused on promoting business innovation and technology transfer. The new Agency for Research and Innovation will be tasked with overseeing the entire pipeline, from basic scientific discovery to commercialization. This integrated approach is intended to reduce bureaucracy, improve coordination, and ensure that public investment in research translates more readily into tangible economic benefits and high-value jobs. The government's plan is based on an exercise previously conducted by the FCT's own management, which will now be expanded upon to guide the formation of the new entity.
The budget allocation for the new agency and the mechanisms for its governance are key details that are yet to be fully disclosed. The government has promised increased funding for the sector, but the scientific and business communities are awaiting further clarification on how resources will be distributed and how funding priorities will be set. The transition period will be critical, requiring careful management to avoid disruption to ongoing research projects and innovation initiatives. The government has indicated that it will work closely with international counterparts and draw on best practices from countries with similar integrated agencies in Europe and North America to inform its approach. The ultimate success of this policy will be measured by its ability to accelerate innovation and attract high-tech investment to Portugal.
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