The Days for the Intelligent Specialization Strategy 2014-2020 begin today

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Energy and Materials & Raw Materials are the topics under discussion at the first Strategic Reflection Day, as part of the work to define the national and regional strategy for research and innovation (2014-2020), which will identify areas where regions and the country have scientific and economic advantages, responding to societal challenges.

Organized in partnership by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the Institute of Support to Small and Medium Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI), the Innovation Agency (AdI) and COMPETE (Operational Program of Competitiveness Factors), the day takes place today at ISEG and counts on the participation of key players in the context of national Development & Research and Innovation: higher education institutions, research centers, companies, state laboratories, professional and sector associations, and directorates-general or interface bodies.

The Strategic Reflection Days aim to work together with these actors to:

• Identify the potential of each day's theme/area as a priority for the National Research and Innovation Strategy;
• Define the vision and challenges ahead for the next seven years (2014-2020), particularly in the topic/area under discussion;
• Discuss public policy instruments and measures needed to address identified market, institutional, or regulatory failures.

The topics of this day are part of the Transversal Technologies theme, one of five themes identified for the Strategic Conferences that will take place in October and November. The other themes are: Industries and Production Technologies, Mobility, Space and Logistics, Natural Resources and Environment, and Health, Wellness and Territory. A report will be produced for each workshop, explaining the justification of the theme in terms of relevance and expectations for development in 2020.

The Smart Specialization Strategy for research and innovation is a condition for a more effective and efficient use of structural funds in the next programming period. Also the national vision for 2020 establishes that the Portuguese economy should be more competitive, creative and internationalized, by strengthening research and innovation capacities and increasing synergies between public and private investments.