An opportunity that more municipalities should embrace in Portugal

On the one hand, the Santarém Summit highlighted the importance of attracting international talent, entrepreneurship and the connection between educational institutions, companies and territories. On the other hand, the signing of the partnership between the Municipality of Coimbra and Empowered Startups reinforced the commitment to attracting investment, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative projects to the region. When analysed together, these events reveal something more important than simple institutional events: they show a concrete strategy to attract knowledge, investment and talent to Portugal.

Behind this vision is Chris Lennon, President of Empowered Startups, who has been one of the biggest international advocates of Portugal's potential as a platform for innovation, research and entrepreneurship. By his side, Francesco Berrettini, Director of Empowered Startups in Portugal, has played a key role in creating bridges between universities, municipalities, companies and international investors, helping to transform ideas into concrete projects and real opportunities for the territories.

Empowered Startups is not just another international accelerator. It is the entity accredited by the Portuguese Government for the development of the HQA® (Highly Qualified Activity Program), an initiative that has been connecting highly qualified international talent to Portuguese higher education institutions, research centers and innovative companies. The goal is simple: attract foreign direct investment, create new companies, support applied research projects and transform knowledge into economic growth.

In a country where there is constant talk of the need to increase productivity, strengthen innovation and create qualified employment, initiatives such as this should occupy a much more central place in the public discussion. HQA® doesn't just bring capital. He brings knowledge, international experience, global networks and the ability to transform research into economic value.

The most interesting thing is that this strategy is not limited to large urban centres. Coimbra demonstrates the potential of the link between academia and innovation. Santarém shows how regions outside the traditional circuits can create conditions to attract global talent. Faro is already following a similar path through its technological ecosystem. And many other regions could benefit from the same approach.

Perhaps this is precisely where the greatest opportunity lies. For years, we have been looking for answers for talent retention, for the internationalisation of the economy and for regional development. The HQA® program offers a practical solution to many of these challenges, creating a direct link between what Portugal has to offer — knowledge, universities and quality of life — and what the world is looking for: innovation, talent and growth opportunities.

Therefore, perhaps the time has come for more municipalities, universities and regional entities to look at this initiative carefully. Because Portugal's economic future will increasingly depend on its ability to attract qualified people, generate innovation and compete for global talent.

And if there is something that Chris Lennon, Francesco Berrettini and the Empowered Startups team seem to have understood before many, it is that Portugal has all the ingredients to be one of the most attractive destinations in Europe to build that future.

The question now is how many more Portuguese regions will be willing to take advantage of this opportunity.