SUMMARY

To promote and manage the transfer of knowledge between universities, R&D institutions, businesses and the market; To foster a culture of R&D&I within the business sector, particularly among SMEs, in cooperation with universities and polytechnics; To support entrepreneurs in setting up new businesses and in their subsequent growth; Create the essential conditions to foster within companies and other institutions the need to employ qualified human resources suited to the nature of their business, thereby creating skilled jobs (tailored to the qualifications of existing staff); Promote the Northern Region as an attractive location for investment that prioritises innovation and knowledge as key criteria in its activities and projects; Develop a sustainable development model based on knowledge, technology and innovation, manifested in practice through technology-based companies with highly qualified staff that offer the market distinctive, value-added products and services in the global market.

PROBLEM

To monitor, coordinate and promote the activities of science and technology parks and business incubators in the region, providing opportunities to enhance the value of the business initiatives based there, thereby playing a decisive role in the ongoing development of the productive system in Northern Portugal.

SOLUTION

Collaboration with the Network’s Science and Technology Parks, universities and business organisations, and through projects supporting entrepreneurship, skills development and internationalisation, utilising EU funding. To contribute to a more skilled business community, and to the creation of startups and highly skilled ecosystems that generate value for the region’s and the country’s economy.