José Manuel Bolieiro highlights University of the Azores' “strategic” role in future of the Region - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the presentation of the Study on the Impact of the University of the Azores on the Ecosystem of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, an event held at the Aula Magna of the University. The session featured a round table moderated by journalist Marta Silva. It brought together prominent figures, including the Rector of the University, Susana Mira Leal, retired  Judge Counsellor José Manuel Monteiro da Silva, the administrative director of Bensaude Group, Marco Lopes, and Paulo Madruga, from the consultancy Ernst & Young.

The study acknowledges the University of the Azores for its fundamental role as a hub for knowledge production and human capital qualification in the Region. With 50 years of history, the University of the Azores is distinguished as an institution of excellence in addressing matters concerning island territories, maritime affairs and transatlantic relations. It stands as a pillar of social, cultural and economic development in the Azores.

Between 2014 and 2024, 5,174 students graduated from the University of the Azores. Most of them remain in the Region and work in priority sectors for the Azores Smart Specialisation Strategy. The employability rate among graduates is high, with only 3% taking more than six months to enter the labour market. The University currently has 2,931 students and 496 employees, including 264 teaching faculty.

The ability to attract students from outside the archipelago has also increased, with more than 20% of students coming from Mainland Portugal, Madeira or foreign countries. This is the result of a strategic commitment to internationalisation and scientific differentiation in areas such as marine sciences, health, heritage, agriculture and the environment.

The head of the Azorean Government noted that the Government of the Azores has been consistently stepping up its support for the University. Unlike in previous years, when regional funding ranged between 250 thousand and 500 thousand Euros, the amounts allocated have been steadily increasing since 2021.

In 2021, the amount totalled 550 thousand Euros, followed by 650 thousand Euros in 2022, 660 thousand Euros in 2023, and exceeded one million Euros in 2024. For 2025, funding amounting to 1.8 million Euros is already planned.

According to the President of the Government, this investment is "a demonstration of true commitment to the development of the University of the Azores."

He emphasised: "This support is not just a matter of words and good intentions, it is a tangible, planned and consistent action."

The President of the Government reiterated the importance of the University as a partner of the regional administration and civil society.

"The University of the Azores should preferably be sought out as a source of knowledge and scientific basis for public and private decisions," he defended, calling on the business community and local authorities to follow this guideline as well.

However, José Manuel Bolieiro made it clear that, despite increased regional support, the institution's structural funding must continue to be provided by the State: "The Government of the Azores cannot take on responsibilities that fall under the National Government, especially in the context of the law on public higher education funding."

The President of the Government ended on an optimistic note about the future: "We have the perfect conditions for the Azores to be a real lab for science, innovation, and research."

Based on the study data, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in a smart specialisation strategy that values the ecosystem of the archipelago and promotes the University of the Azores nationally and internationally.