Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “new phase” in modernisation of HDES with robotic surgery
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “new phase” in modernisation of HDES with robotic surgery
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights improved community-based care with handover of 20 electric vehicles to São Miguel Island Health Unit
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights improved community-based care with handover of 20 electric vehicles to São Miguel Island Health Unit
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Governo dos Açores promove residência literária nas Flores e no Corvo no âmbito dos 600 anos da descoberta do arquipélago
Governo dos Açores promove residência literária nas Flores e no Corvo no âmbito dos 600 anos da descoberta do arquipélago
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Duarte Freitas highlights major transformation in regional public administration over recent decades
Duarte Freitas highlights major transformation in regional public administration over recent decades
Nota de Imprensa
July 7, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “new phase” in modernisation of HDES with robotic surgery The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, observed today the first operation using the new orthopaedic surgical robot at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, considering it a “landmark” moment for the development of the Regional Health Service (SRS). The purchase of the equipment, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), represents an investment of €1.1 million in HDES. Along with the equipment already in operation at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), the overall investment amounts to €2.35 million, reinforcing the Regional Government’s commitment to the technological modernisation of Azorean hospitals. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this is “an important milestone for HDES” and that the Region is “bringing the future into the present.” “Surgical robotics represents a future with a huge impact on healthcare in the Azores. This orthopaedic robot will be a decisive aid to healthcare professionals and, above all, to patients, rendering surgeries more precise, reducing operating times, and leading to faster and less painful recoveries,” he said. The President of the Government emphasised that the equipment represents “the cutting edge of global technology” in this field, placing HDES at the forefront of technological innovation in orthopaedics. “We are enhancing our ability to serve our patients better, whilst also fulfilling a legitimate aspiration of our healthcare professionals by supplying them with the best tools to carry out their work,” he added. Robotic orthopaedic surgery ensures more rigorous surgical planning, more precise placement of prostheses, decreased invasiveness, and better clinical outcomes. This will also lead to a potential reduction in hospital stays, physiotherapy sessions, and the social costs associated with patients’ recovery. José Manuel Bolieiro positioned this investment as part of the transformation of the SRS strategy, noting that the Government has been making a strong commitment to technological innovation. “We have prioritised the technological, digital and robotic capabilities of our SRS. We are moving from words to deeds in various healthcare facilities across the Azores, building a more modern, better-equipped system that is prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he emphasised. Between 2021 and 2026, the Regional Government’s investment in HDES will exceed €25 million, with around €14 million funded under the RRP. At the same time, the hospital has significantly expanded its staffing levels and now employs 2,418 professionals, 434 more than in 2019. In the field of Orthopaedics, HDES currently has eight specialists and seven interns, thereby further strengthening its training capacity. Care indicators also show sustained growth in hospital activity. In 2025, HDES recorded a 12% increase in the total number of consultations, a 10% rise in overall surgical activity and a 26% rise in inpatient surgeries, in addition to significant increases in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This trend continued in 2026, with growth in surgical activity, outpatient consultations, the Day Hospital and diagnostic tests up until May. The President of the Regional Government also emphasised that the modernisation of HDES is not limited to the acquisition of equipment, highlighting the growing use of artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis, particularly in the Emergency Department, and the early identification of strokes. He also mentioned the results achieved by the STOP Infeção 2.0 project, which eliminated serious infections in the Intensive Care Unit and prevented 24 deaths, generating savings of over €439,000. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this series of investments reflects an “integrated vision” for the future of healthcare in the Region. "Modernisation is achieved through technology, but, above all, it is achieved through people. We want HDES to become increasingly attractive, better qualified and capable of providing excellent care to the Azores population, both today and in the future," he concluded.
July 7, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “new phase” in modernisation of HDES with robotic surgery The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, observed today the first operation using the new orthopaedic surgical robot at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, considering it a “landmark” moment for the development of the Regional Health Service (SRS). The purchase of the equipment, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), represents an investment of €1.1 million in HDES. Along with the equipment already in operation at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), the overall investment amounts to €2.35 million, reinforcing the Regional Government’s commitment to the technological modernisation of Azorean hospitals. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this is “an important milestone for HDES” and that the Region is “bringing the future into the present.” “Surgical robotics represents a future with a huge impact on healthcare in the Azores. This orthopaedic robot will be a decisive aid to healthcare professionals and, above all, to patients, rendering surgeries more precise, reducing operating times, and leading to faster and less painful recoveries,” he said. The President of the Government emphasised that the equipment represents “the cutting edge of global technology” in this field, placing HDES at the forefront of technological innovation in orthopaedics. “We are enhancing our ability to serve our patients better, whilst also fulfilling a legitimate aspiration of our healthcare professionals by supplying them with the best tools to carry out their work,” he added. Robotic orthopaedic surgery ensures more rigorous surgical planning, more precise placement of prostheses, decreased invasiveness, and better clinical outcomes. This will also lead to a potential reduction in hospital stays, physiotherapy sessions, and the social costs associated with patients’ recovery. José Manuel Bolieiro positioned this investment as part of the transformation of the SRS strategy, noting that the Government has been making a strong commitment to technological innovation. “We have prioritised the technological, digital and robotic capabilities of our SRS. We are moving from words to deeds in various healthcare facilities across the Azores, building a more modern, better-equipped system that is prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he emphasised. Between 2021 and 2026, the Regional Government’s investment in HDES will exceed €25 million, with around €14 million funded under the RRP. At the same time, the hospital has significantly expanded its staffing levels and now employs 2,418 professionals, 434 more than in 2019. In the field of Orthopaedics, HDES currently has eight specialists and seven interns, thereby further strengthening its training capacity. Care indicators also show sustained growth in hospital activity. In 2025, HDES recorded a 12% increase in the total number of consultations, a 10% rise in overall surgical activity and a 26% rise in inpatient surgeries, in addition to significant increases in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This trend continued in 2026, with growth in surgical activity, outpatient consultations, the Day Hospital and diagnostic tests up until May. The President of the Regional Government also emphasised that the modernisation of HDES is not limited to the acquisition of equipment, highlighting the growing use of artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis, particularly in the Emergency Department, and the early identification of strokes. He also mentioned the results achieved by the STOP Infeção 2.0 project, which eliminated serious infections in the Intensive Care Unit and prevented 24 deaths, generating savings of over €439,000. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this series of investments reflects an “integrated vision” for the future of healthcare in the Region. "Modernisation is achieved through technology, but, above all, it is achieved through people. We want HDES to become increasingly attractive, better qualified and capable of providing excellent care to the Azores population, both today and in the future," he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
July 7, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights improved community-based care with handover of 20 electric vehicles to São Miguel Island Health Unit The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the handover ceremony of 20 electric vehicles to the São Miguel Island Health Unit (USISM) in Ponta Delgada, representing an investment of €896,178, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). He emphasised that the initiative represents “another transformative moment” for the Regional Health Service and reflects the priority the Government has given to the health sector. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this fleet renewal stems from a “strategic vision” to modernise healthcare, using available EU funds to “bolster” the capacity to respond to people’s needs. "This has been a journey of transformation. We have made use of an EU financial tool, with a very tight schedule, to make a clear commitment to healthcare as our priority is to look after people and families," he said. José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that the RRP provided a crucial opportunity to accelerate structural investments in the Regional Health Service, leading to the implementation of projects intended to improve the quality of care across all islands. The President of the Regional Government emphasised, in particular, the importance of home care, pointing out that the future of healthcare lies in being “closer” to patients. “Our vision is to bring healthcare to people’s homes, rather than having people go to healthcare facilities. Whenever possible, we must provide support, monitoring and healthcare in people’s own homes, offering greater comfort, a better quality of life and a more personalised response,” he stressed. The 20 vehicles that have now been handed over will be distributed amongst the six health centres on the island of São Miguel, bolstering the operational capacity of the multidisciplinary teams that provide medical, nursing, physiotherapy and social support to the local population daily. During the first half of 2026, teams from the São Miguel Island Health Unit conducted about 13,000 home visits. This figure highlights the growing importance of this care service and the crucial role of community-based care in the prevention, monitoring and recovery of patients. José Manuel Bolieiro also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of healthcare professionals. “I would like to express my satisfaction and deep gratitude to healthcare professionals for the commitment and dedication they have always shown. Even in the face of limited resources and means, they have managed to make the most of their capacity to serve the Azorean population, the residents of São Miguel, and also all those who visit São Miguel and use our health services,” he said. The head of the Azorean Government added that this renewal of the fleet will provide better working conditions for staff and provide a swifter, more efficient and safer response to the needs of the population. Under the RRP, the purchase of the 20 electric vehicles is part of the investment project RE-C01-i11-RAA – Modernisation and Upgrading of the Regional Health Service. The vehicles will be distributed among the Health Centres of Ponta Delgada (11), Ribeira Grande (4), Vila Franca do Campo (3), Povoação (1) and Nordeste (1). Between 2021 and 2026, the Azores Government’s investment in the São Miguel Island Health Unit exceeded €3.4 million, with around €2.4 million funded under the RRP. This investment has led, amongst other measures, to the acquisition of new radiology equipment for various health centres, five dental chairs, 19 vital signs monitors and the renewal of the fleet, which has now been completed. The results of these efforts are also reflected in the care provided by the São Miguel Island Health Unit. Currently, the GP coverage rate stands at 96%, with around 940 professionals serving the community – 175 more than in 2019. Compared with 2021, there was a 9% increase in general and family medicine consultations, a 158% increase in consultations at Basic Emergency Units, a 94% increase in dental consultations, a 31% increase in physiotherapy sessions and a 287% increase in X-ray tests. These indicators demonstrate the improved response capacity of primary healthcare on the island of São Miguel.
July 7, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights improved community-based care with handover of 20 electric vehicles to São Miguel Island Health Unit The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the handover ceremony of 20 electric vehicles to the São Miguel Island Health Unit (USISM) in Ponta Delgada, representing an investment of €896,178, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). He emphasised that the initiative represents “another transformative moment” for the Regional Health Service and reflects the priority the Government has given to the health sector. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this fleet renewal stems from a “strategic vision” to modernise healthcare, using available EU funds to “bolster” the capacity to respond to people’s needs. "This has been a journey of transformation. We have made use of an EU financial tool, with a very tight schedule, to make a clear commitment to healthcare as our priority is to look after people and families," he said. José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that the RRP provided a crucial opportunity to accelerate structural investments in the Regional Health Service, leading to the implementation of projects intended to improve the quality of care across all islands. The President of the Regional Government emphasised, in particular, the importance of home care, pointing out that the future of healthcare lies in being “closer” to patients. “Our vision is to bring healthcare to people’s homes, rather than having people go to healthcare facilities. Whenever possible, we must provide support, monitoring and healthcare in people’s own homes, offering greater comfort, a better quality of life and a more personalised response,” he stressed. The 20 vehicles that have now been handed over will be distributed amongst the six health centres on the island of São Miguel, bolstering the operational capacity of the multidisciplinary teams that provide medical, nursing, physiotherapy and social support to the local population daily. During the first half of 2026, teams from the São Miguel Island Health Unit conducted about 13,000 home visits. This figure highlights the growing importance of this care service and the crucial role of community-based care in the prevention, monitoring and recovery of patients. José Manuel Bolieiro also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of healthcare professionals. “I would like to express my satisfaction and deep gratitude to healthcare professionals for the commitment and dedication they have always shown. Even in the face of limited resources and means, they have managed to make the most of their capacity to serve the Azorean population, the residents of São Miguel, and also all those who visit São Miguel and use our health services,” he said. The head of the Azorean Government added that this renewal of the fleet will provide better working conditions for staff and provide a swifter, more efficient and safer response to the needs of the population. Under the RRP, the purchase of the 20 electric vehicles is part of the investment project RE-C01-i11-RAA – Modernisation and Upgrading of the Regional Health Service. The vehicles will be distributed among the Health Centres of Ponta Delgada (11), Ribeira Grande (4), Vila Franca do Campo (3), Povoação (1) and Nordeste (1). Between 2021 and 2026, the Azores Government’s investment in the São Miguel Island Health Unit exceeded €3.4 million, with around €2.4 million funded under the RRP. This investment has led, amongst other measures, to the acquisition of new radiology equipment for various health centres, five dental chairs, 19 vital signs monitors and the renewal of the fleet, which has now been completed. The results of these efforts are also reflected in the care provided by the São Miguel Island Health Unit. Currently, the GP coverage rate stands at 96%, with around 940 professionals serving the community – 175 more than in 2019. Compared with 2021, there was a 9% increase in general and family medicine consultations, a 158% increase in consultations at Basic Emergency Units, a 94% increase in dental consultations, a 31% increase in physiotherapy sessions and a 287% increase in X-ray tests. These indicators demonstrate the improved response capacity of primary healthcare on the island of São Miguel.
Nota de Imprensa
July 8, 2026 Governo dos Açores promove residência literária nas Flores e no Corvo no âmbito dos 600 anos da descoberta do arquipélago A Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, em parceria com o Centro Nacional de Cultura e com o projeto Disquiet, promove, entre os dias 12 e 18 de julho, uma residência literária no Grupo ocidental da Região. A iniciativa integra a preparação das comemorações dos 600 anos da Descoberta dos Açores, a assinalar em 2027, e é dedicada à reflexão sobre conceitos de interculturalidade, experiências partilhadas, ultraperiferias e autonomias insulares. O projeto Disquiet promove o intercâmbio e a imersão de escritores norte-americanos na cultura portuguesa, tendo já desenvolvido, em edições anteriores, atividades nos Açores subordinadas à partilha e à simbiose de patrimónios identitários. Nesse sentido, considerou-se estratégico enquadrar esta atividade no vasto projeto de comemoração do sexto centenário, destacando uma parte crucial da história do arquipélago fortemente ligada à sua literatura e aos grandes vultos literários que por aqui nasceram ou passaram, promovendo, em simultâneo, o seu papel geoestratégico no meio do Atlântico. Durante a estadia nas ilhas das Flores e do Corvo, a anfitriã do evento será Gabriela Silva, que integra a rede de parceiros voluntários do projeto dos 600 anos da Descoberta dos Açores. A responsável será coadjuvada pelo Professor Onésimo Teotónio de Almeida e por Leonor Simas-Almeida, que irão guiar o grupo de escritores norte-americanos num mergulho profundo na cultura daqueles territórios e das suas comunidades, promovendo a partilha de visões sobre o que é ser açoriano e sobre a verdadeira essência dos Açores.
July 8, 2026 Governo dos Açores promove residência literária nas Flores e no Corvo no âmbito dos 600 anos da descoberta do arquipélago A Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, em parceria com o Centro Nacional de Cultura e com o projeto Disquiet, promove, entre os dias 12 e 18 de julho, uma residência literária no Grupo ocidental da Região. A iniciativa integra a preparação das comemorações dos 600 anos da Descoberta dos Açores, a assinalar em 2027, e é dedicada à reflexão sobre conceitos de interculturalidade, experiências partilhadas, ultraperiferias e autonomias insulares. O projeto Disquiet promove o intercâmbio e a imersão de escritores norte-americanos na cultura portuguesa, tendo já desenvolvido, em edições anteriores, atividades nos Açores subordinadas à partilha e à simbiose de patrimónios identitários. Nesse sentido, considerou-se estratégico enquadrar esta atividade no vasto projeto de comemoração do sexto centenário, destacando uma parte crucial da história do arquipélago fortemente ligada à sua literatura e aos grandes vultos literários que por aqui nasceram ou passaram, promovendo, em simultâneo, o seu papel geoestratégico no meio do Atlântico. Durante a estadia nas ilhas das Flores e do Corvo, a anfitriã do evento será Gabriela Silva, que integra a rede de parceiros voluntários do projeto dos 600 anos da Descoberta dos Açores. A responsável será coadjuvada pelo Professor Onésimo Teotónio de Almeida e por Leonor Simas-Almeida, que irão guiar o grupo de escritores norte-americanos num mergulho profundo na cultura daqueles territórios e das suas comunidades, promovendo a partilha de visões sobre o que é ser açoriano e sobre a verdadeira essência dos Açores.
Nota de Imprensa
July 8, 2026 Duarte Freitas highlights major transformation in regional public administration over recent decades The Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, stated today that the Regional Government is undertaking a structural reform of the Regional Public Administration, based on the simplification of procedures, the upskilling of staff and technological modernisation, with a view to rendering public services faster, more transparent and more accessible to citizens and businesses. Speaking at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores during the urgent debate on bureaucracy in the Regional Public Administration, the government official emphasised that the Government “does not underestimate the difficulties faced by citizens and businesses,” but rejected the idea that the Government is not addressing this challenge. “The fight against bureaucracy requires a consistent strategy, investment, organisational change and the capacity to transform the way the public administration works,” he stated. For Duarte Freitas, simplification means eliminating unnecessary procedures, reducing response times, avoiding duplication of documents and making interactions with the public administration clearer, more predictable and more efficient for citizens and businesses. The Regional Secretary defended that the ongoing transformation is based on a clear priority: “people first, then processes, and only then technology.” "The biggest mistake would be to think that making forms digital is enough to eliminate paperwork. Digitising complicated procedures merely creates digital red tape. We genuinely aim to simplify the public administration," he emphasised. Duarte Freitas highlighted that 557 training initiatives have been organised since 2021, involving more than 14,900 Regional Public Administration workers. In this regard, he noted that “a simpler administration begins with better-prepared staff, more capable managers and teams with the autonomy to improve processes.” The government official also recalled that the Government had approved the Regional Public Administration Rejuvenation Plan and launched the new Azores Public Employment Exchange, which has already received over 15,000 digital applications, paving the way for a generational renewal of public services. As for administrative reorganisation, Duarte Freitas highlighted the implementation of GIRA – the new Integrated Information Management System – which will help redesign internal processes, eliminate redundancies, reduce paper usage and increase transparency in administrative procedures. “Citizens do not want to know which department their case is with. They want to know whether it has been received, what stage it is at and when they can expect a response. This is what we are building,” he said. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the investment of €30.6 million, funded under the RRP-Azores, to accelerate the modernisation of the Regional Public Administration through the creation of new digital platforms, the LINKA technology architecture and the future Regional Public Administration Services Portal, which will provide citizens with a single point of contact with the Public Administration to follow up on their requests. According to Duarte Freitas, this transformation is also reaching front-line services through the upgrading of RIAC, the Regional Public Administration Contact Centre and the RIAC Móvel project, ensuring that digital transformation does not exclude those who still require in-person assistance. "Our commitment is to build a public administration that respects citizens’ time, businesses’ investment and the work of its professionals. We need a Public Administration that is simpler, more transparent, more efficient and closer to the people," he said. Acknowledging that there are still procedures that need to be simplified, Duarte Freitas defended that the difference lies in having a clear problem-solving strategy. “Modernisation is not about buying technology. Modernisation is about changing how the Public Administration thinks, makes decisions and serves the public. It is about transforming bureaucracy into trust and making the Public Administration a partner to citizens and businesses, rather than an obstacle,” he concluded.
July 8, 2026 Duarte Freitas highlights major transformation in regional public administration over recent decades The Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, stated today that the Regional Government is undertaking a structural reform of the Regional Public Administration, based on the simplification of procedures, the upskilling of staff and technological modernisation, with a view to rendering public services faster, more transparent and more accessible to citizens and businesses. Speaking at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores during the urgent debate on bureaucracy in the Regional Public Administration, the government official emphasised that the Government “does not underestimate the difficulties faced by citizens and businesses,” but rejected the idea that the Government is not addressing this challenge. “The fight against bureaucracy requires a consistent strategy, investment, organisational change and the capacity to transform the way the public administration works,” he stated. For Duarte Freitas, simplification means eliminating unnecessary procedures, reducing response times, avoiding duplication of documents and making interactions with the public administration clearer, more predictable and more efficient for citizens and businesses. The Regional Secretary defended that the ongoing transformation is based on a clear priority: “people first, then processes, and only then technology.” "The biggest mistake would be to think that making forms digital is enough to eliminate paperwork. Digitising complicated procedures merely creates digital red tape. We genuinely aim to simplify the public administration," he emphasised. Duarte Freitas highlighted that 557 training initiatives have been organised since 2021, involving more than 14,900 Regional Public Administration workers. In this regard, he noted that “a simpler administration begins with better-prepared staff, more capable managers and teams with the autonomy to improve processes.” The government official also recalled that the Government had approved the Regional Public Administration Rejuvenation Plan and launched the new Azores Public Employment Exchange, which has already received over 15,000 digital applications, paving the way for a generational renewal of public services. As for administrative reorganisation, Duarte Freitas highlighted the implementation of GIRA – the new Integrated Information Management System – which will help redesign internal processes, eliminate redundancies, reduce paper usage and increase transparency in administrative procedures. “Citizens do not want to know which department their case is with. They want to know whether it has been received, what stage it is at and when they can expect a response. This is what we are building,” he said. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the investment of €30.6 million, funded under the RRP-Azores, to accelerate the modernisation of the Regional Public Administration through the creation of new digital platforms, the LINKA technology architecture and the future Regional Public Administration Services Portal, which will provide citizens with a single point of contact with the Public Administration to follow up on their requests. According to Duarte Freitas, this transformation is also reaching front-line services through the upgrading of RIAC, the Regional Public Administration Contact Centre and the RIAC Móvel project, ensuring that digital transformation does not exclude those who still require in-person assistance. "Our commitment is to build a public administration that respects citizens’ time, businesses’ investment and the work of its professionals. We need a Public Administration that is simpler, more transparent, more efficient and closer to the people," he said. Acknowledging that there are still procedures that need to be simplified, Duarte Freitas defended that the difference lies in having a clear problem-solving strategy. “Modernisation is not about buying technology. Modernisation is about changing how the Public Administration thinks, makes decisions and serves the public. It is about transforming bureaucracy into trust and making the Public Administration a partner to citizens and businesses, rather than an obstacle,” he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
July 8, 2026 Vice-Presidency launches “INOVAR 2030” with over €13 million to boost business research and innovation The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government published today Ordinance no.76/2026, which approves the Specific Regulations for the Research and Innovation Incentive Scheme, known as “INOVAR 2030”. With this incentive scheme aimed at the business sector, the aim is to develop and boost regional research and innovation capabilities, as well as the adoption of advanced technologies in the Azores. INOVAR 2030 will ensure that the new incentives fall within the scope of the General Block Exemption Regulation, overcoming the limitations of previous programmes under which these incentives were granted under the de minimis scheme with a maximum aid intensity of €200,000. The existence of a specific regulation responds to the ambitions of entrepreneurs and researchers who were previously severely constrained by financial restrictions. It is now possible to support projects of greater scale, risk and technological intensity. According to the Vice-President of the Government, “INOVAR 2030 represents a true paradigm shift for industrial research and experimental development in the Azores." “Being covered by the General Block Exemption Regulation "will free us from the constraints and limitations of the de minimis scheme, which often blocked or rejected highly relevant applications as companies had exhausted their available funding ceiling,” he emphasised. Artur Lima emphasised that “clear, consistent and transparent conditions are being created to fund structural projects, which require significant investment and have the potential to generate significant impacts on the integration of innovation and the competitiveness of the productive sector.” The new regulation will ensure that “investment in R&D (Research and Development) translates into a stronger, knowledge-intensive regional economy that generates lasting value for the Azores and Azorean residents," he stressed. INOVAR 2030 provides for the gradual launch of calls for applications dedicated to the creation of scientific and technological knowledge, scientific infrastructure, skilled entrepreneurship and technology transfer. Regarding business R&D, the programme includes a range of tools such as demonstration projects, mobilisation programmes, R&DT hubs, simplified projects and proof-of-concept projects, catering for a variety of investment profiles and stages of technological maturity. The base funding rates for eligible expenditure will be up to 50% for industrial research and up to 25% for experimental development. However, depending on the company's size, its level of effective collaboration or the widespread dissemination of results, the maximum aid intensity may reach 80%. As one of the goals is to strengthen R&I (Research and Innovation) capabilities among SMEs, they will be the main beneficiaries of these optimised rates. In co-funded projects, non-business entities within the regional scientific system may see their funding rise to 85%. Artur Lima also noted that “following the launch of INOVAR 2030, the conditions are now in place to publish, before the end of this year, calls for proposals with a total budget of over €13 million aimed at projects led by regional companies.” The INOVAR 2030 Incentive Scheme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Azores 2030 Programme.
July 8, 2026 Vice-Presidency launches “INOVAR 2030” with over €13 million to boost business research and innovation The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government published today Ordinance no.76/2026, which approves the Specific Regulations for the Research and Innovation Incentive Scheme, known as “INOVAR 2030”. With this incentive scheme aimed at the business sector, the aim is to develop and boost regional research and innovation capabilities, as well as the adoption of advanced technologies in the Azores. INOVAR 2030 will ensure that the new incentives fall within the scope of the General Block Exemption Regulation, overcoming the limitations of previous programmes under which these incentives were granted under the de minimis scheme with a maximum aid intensity of €200,000. The existence of a specific regulation responds to the ambitions of entrepreneurs and researchers who were previously severely constrained by financial restrictions. It is now possible to support projects of greater scale, risk and technological intensity. According to the Vice-President of the Government, “INOVAR 2030 represents a true paradigm shift for industrial research and experimental development in the Azores." “Being covered by the General Block Exemption Regulation "will free us from the constraints and limitations of the de minimis scheme, which often blocked or rejected highly relevant applications as companies had exhausted their available funding ceiling,” he emphasised. Artur Lima emphasised that “clear, consistent and transparent conditions are being created to fund structural projects, which require significant investment and have the potential to generate significant impacts on the integration of innovation and the competitiveness of the productive sector.” The new regulation will ensure that “investment in R&D (Research and Development) translates into a stronger, knowledge-intensive regional economy that generates lasting value for the Azores and Azorean residents," he stressed. INOVAR 2030 provides for the gradual launch of calls for applications dedicated to the creation of scientific and technological knowledge, scientific infrastructure, skilled entrepreneurship and technology transfer. Regarding business R&D, the programme includes a range of tools such as demonstration projects, mobilisation programmes, R&DT hubs, simplified projects and proof-of-concept projects, catering for a variety of investment profiles and stages of technological maturity. The base funding rates for eligible expenditure will be up to 50% for industrial research and up to 25% for experimental development. However, depending on the company's size, its level of effective collaboration or the widespread dissemination of results, the maximum aid intensity may reach 80%. As one of the goals is to strengthen R&I (Research and Innovation) capabilities among SMEs, they will be the main beneficiaries of these optimised rates. In co-funded projects, non-business entities within the regional scientific system may see their funding rise to 85%. Artur Lima also noted that “following the launch of INOVAR 2030, the conditions are now in place to publish, before the end of this year, calls for proposals with a total budget of over €13 million aimed at projects led by regional companies.” The INOVAR 2030 Incentive Scheme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Azores 2030 Programme.
