In this second part of this conversation, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Linholm delve into the critical role of regions in shaping Europe's research and innovation landscape.

They discuss the importance of innovation ecosystems, the challenges of fragmentation, and the need for interregional collaboration to address the innovation divide.

The conversation highlights the significance of inclusive policies that ensure no region is left behind, while also exploring the interplay between local and EU-level policies.

Pirita emphasizes the necessity for proactive engagement from research and innovation institutions to align with EU priorities and drive sustainable results.

This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in European research and innovation, focusing on regional disparities, the role of missions, and strategies for empowering regions.

The speakers discuss the importance of cohesion and alignment in policies, the need for collaboration among stakeholders, and the potential of mission-oriented approaches to address societal challenges.

They emphasize the necessity of breaking down silos and fostering ecosystems that support innovation across Europe.

Takeaways

• Regions play a crucial role in European research and innovation.
• Innovation ecosystems must be less fragmented to be effective.
• Robust ecosystems are essential for competitiveness.
• Regional innovation valleys have generated enthusiasm but face challenges.
• Less developed regions may be more open to collaboration.
• Widening engagement is a priority to include all regions.
• Innovation is inherently local, yet must align with EU goals.
• R&I institutions should proactively engage with policy discussions.
• Long-term impacts of policies should be prioritized.
• Excellence in innovation can be found in every region. We need to think about the EU's investment policy.
• Cohesion policy needs to be reformed for better alignment.
• Widening measures should be embedded across programs.
• Missions require strong ecosystem action to succeed.
• Collaboration is key to tackling climate change.
• Regional innovation ecosystems must be mobilized effectively.
• Breaking silos can lead to better funding outcomes.
• Missions can drive local engagement and innovation.
• It's essential to match local interests with broader goals.
• Long-term commitment is crucial for mission success.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to European Research and Innovation Challenges

06:31: Regional Innovation Valleys: A Step Forward?

11:51: Addressing Inclusion in Innovation Policies

19:45: Proactive Roles of R&I Institutions

26:21: Evaluating Current Widening Schemes

41:39: The Role of Missions in EU Research and Innovation

56:15: Empowering Regions for Future Innovation

This is the Insider's Original Solo Episode with Ricardo Migueis. Where he explores the transformative impact of Portugal's partnerships with leading academic institutions like Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and UT Austin.

It evaluates the achievements, challenges, and future potential of these collaborations in reshaping Portugal's scientific and innovation landscape.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of sustainability, equity, and strategic focus in navigating the complexities of global research and innovation.

Takeaways

• Portugal's partnerships with top universities have reshaped its scientific landscape.
• Over 1,000 students earned dual PhDs through these collaborations.
• Publications from these partnerships are cited 60% more frequently.
• Patents from partnership research are cited three times more than others.
• Entrepreneurship has flourished, with companies like Feedzai and Sword Health emerging.
• Private sector engagement amplified the value of these collaborations.
• The partnerships have created a network that transcends individual programs.
• Equity in outcomes remains a critical concern in academic partnerships.
• Sustainability of these partnerships is essential for long-term impact.
• Portugal must strategically prioritize areas for global leadership.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Portugal's Bold Leap

02:53: Evaluating the Impact of Transatlantic Partnerships

06:12: Assessing Efficiency and Sustainability

09:00: Exploring Equity in Academic Partnerships

11:51: The Future of Portugal's Innovation Landscape

15:06: Strategic Focus and Global Positioning

17:54: Navigating Geopolitical Challenges

20:49: Conclusion: The Path Forward for Portugal

This is the second part of the series with with José Manuel Mendonça. It explores the unique governance model of INESC TEC, its evolution in relation to industry collaboration, the role of academia in research institutes, and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in research.

José Mendonça shares insights on how INESC TEC was established to bridge the gap between academia and industry, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to foster collaboration and innovation.

The discussion highlights the need for a sustainable model that balances academic freedom with industrial application, emphasizing the significance of large, multidisciplinary teams in addressing real-world challenges. In this conversation, José Mendonça discusses the innovative models of laboratory sharing for impactful research, the evolving role of universities in the research landscape, and the complexities of governance in research institutions.

He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the dual missions of research institutions to serve both educational and research goals. The conversation also touches on the effects of European integration on research capabilities and the ongoing challenges and opportunities for INESC TEC in the future.

Takeaways

• INESC's governance model is a pioneer in Portugal.
• The need for a model to interface with companies was clear from the start.
• Professors transitioned from researchers to project managers.
• The governance model allows for a sustainable structure.
• INESC TEC serves as a strategic glue for the ecosystem.
• Alignment of interests between INESC TEC and universities is crucial.
• The model requires continuous explanation to new university leadership.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for tackling complex problems.
• Large groups enable collaboration across different scientific areas.
• The balance between academic freedom and industrial application is vital. State-of-the-art laboratories are essential for impactful research.
• Shared laboratories can accommodate large research groups effectively.
• Engineers play a crucial role in scientific research.
• Universities must adapt to evolving research demands.
• Governance in research institutions is complex and multifaceted.
• INESC TEC balances its dual mission to serve universities and researchers.
• Mentorship is vital for developing future leaders in research.
• European integration has transformed research capabilities in Portugal.
• Competition among institutions fosters innovation and improvement.
• The future of INESC TEC involves addressing funding and sustainability challenges.

Chapters

00:00: The Governance Model of INESC TEC

07:07: Evolution of Research and Industry Collaboration

17:00: The Role of Academia in Research Institutes

30:02: Multidisciplinary Approaches in Research

35:52: Innovative Laboratory Models for Research

39:12: The Evolving Role of Universities

41:44: Navigating Complex Governance Structures

45:05: Balancing Dual Missions in Research

48:41: The Importance of Mentorship in Research Institutions

56:11: European Integration and Its Impact on Research

01:07:51: Future Challenges and Opportunities for INESC TEC