Major Science Reform Gets Green Light: New Agency to Boost Innovation and Economic Impact

The Portuguese government is pushing forward with a significant overhaul of the science and technology ecosystem, merging the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Innovation Agency (ANI) into a new entity. This move has just received a crucial endorsement from the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation, an advisory body comprising public institutions, researchers, and business representatives. The council's report aligns closely with the vision of the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, highlighting that the primary issue in Portuguese science is its limited economic impact and value creation. After facing criticism for initiating reforms without sufficient sector debate, Minister Fernando Alexandre has secured this key support to advance the new Agency for Research and Innovation (AI2).