Paraná was part of a Brazilian delegation that visited science and technology centers in Portugal.

Representatives of the Government of Paraná concluded on Friday (28) their participation in a week-long international mission from Brazil to Portugal in Europe, with the aim of demonstrating institutional partnerships to enhance the performance of innovation-friendly environments. The objective is to identify already consolidated Portuguese initiatives in the field of scientific and technological development, to inspire new projects and strategic programs in Paraná, based on public policy models applied in the European country.

The Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Higher Education of Paraná, Aldo Nelson Bona, is part of the Brazilian delegation, accompanied by the Coordinator of the State System of Ecosystems for the Promotion of Innovation of Paraná (Separtec), José Moreno Oliveira Martins. The delegation includes more than 20 people, including representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCTI), universities and federal institutes, the business production sector and innovation ecosystems.

Portugal went through an intense modernization phase after the 2008 global crisis, which led to the collapse of stock markets on various continents and prompted governments in several countries to announce plans to rescue the economy. This process resulted in a model of economic, social and technological development, which had a positive impact on the country's industrialization.

Aldo Bona highlights the importance of scientific progress for social and economic development. “The innovation environments in Portugal have chosen central professions and themes, to develop the potential of each region, attract, train and retain talent, generate employment and income, while influencing economic and social development, based on a system of science, technology and capacities for innovation and knowledge transfer.”

Throughout the week, the Brazilian delegation visited eight institutions in the central region of Portugal, which contribute to Portugal’s scientific and technological progress. In Coimbra, they visited the Pedro Nunes Institute and the Biocante Park, the only biotechnology park in Portugal; in Aveiro, they visited the Science and Innovation Park and Porto Digital Europe.

Follow the itinerary of the University of Beira do Interior (UBI) in Covilhã; the Praça Incubator in Fundão; the Tagusvale Science and Technology Park in Abrantes; and Startup Leiria, the ecosystem that has transformed the innovation and entrepreneurship scenario in the city of Leiria.

The representative of the Government of Paraná stressed the importance of promoting innovation and technology transfer, establishing a link between the scientific and technological environment. “Currently, in Paraná, we are at a favorable moment for environments that encourage innovation and organize technology parks, effectively strengthening the country's ecosystem in the medium and long term,” highlights Aldo.

This international mission is organized by the National Association of Entities Promoting Innovative Enterprises (Anprotec), and is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Brazilian Small and Micro Enterprise Support Service (Sebrae).

Parana ecosystem – Linked to Seti, Separtec brings together 188 certified innovation promotion environments in 46 municipalities in Paraná, in different regions of the state. Spaces are eligible in 10 categories: Accelerators; innovation agencies; Innovation centers; maker spaces; Innovation centers; incubators; Pre-incubators; Technology parks are in operation, being implemented and planned.

This state accreditation gives these ecosystems access to public resources and tax incentives, supported by the state science, technology and innovation policy, which is in the process of being formulated. A new accreditation notice is expected to be launched in the coming months, in order to expand and enhance these innovation ecosystems.