The major economic centres of the next decade will not be defined solely by the size of the markets or by geographical location. They will be defined by their ability to secure energy, attract talent, and adapt quickly to the new AI-dominated economy.

The good news is that Portugal is better positioned than many imagine. We have renewable energy, stability, quality universities, a strategic location and a quality of life that continues to attract professionals from all over the world. While many European countries face increasing energy difficulties, Portugal has resources that are beginning to be seen as strategic assets. And when the largest global investors look for places to install data centres, technological operations or infrastructures linked to artificial intelligence, energy is no longer a detail. It became a decisive factor.

But there is a typically Portuguese problem. We have a huge capacity to identify opportunities and a much smaller capacity to execute them. As the world accelerates, we often remain stuck in bureaucracies, slow processes, and endless discussions. While other countries compete aggressively for talent, investment, and innovation, we continue to believe that potential alone is enough to win. It is not enough.

The Colliers study highlights precisely that energy, talent, demographic change and the ability to adapt will be the factors that will redefine global business hubs. When we look at this list, it is hard not to think that Portugal has a unique opportunity. For the first time in many years, we have competitive advantages in line with what the market is looking for. We are not talking about a fad or a temporary economic cycle. We are talking about the foundations of the economy of the coming decades.

Perhaps that is why we should pay more attention to this type of report and less to the discussions that occupy public space on a daily basis. Because the world is not waiting for us to decide if we want to change. The world has already changed. Investors have already started to move. Companies are already choosing where they want to grow.

The question is no longer whether Portugal has the potential to benefit from this transformation. The question is whether he will have the courage to act at the speed that it requires.

Because the biggest risk for Portugal is no longer the lack of resources. The biggest risk is to continue to be right about your potential and fail to do so.