Regional Government approves new framework to support research and innovation in the Region - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Regional Government of the Azores has approved a new legal framework for research and innovation institutions, establishing the Regional Research and Innovation Community (CoRe). This new legislation will fully replace the current Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA), in force since 2012, promoting a far-reaching structural overhaul and preparing the Region for future challenges.

“CoRe represents a significant step forward in regional science and technology policy,” stated the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima.

According to the government official, “the new model will provide a more integrated and innovation-oriented framework for the sector, bringing together research, intermediary bodies, business innovation and scientific literacy within a single legal framework.”

“The focus is no longer strictly on isolated organisations and incentives. Instead, it is shifting towards a genuine community that fosters structured cooperation between academia, businesses, society and the Government,” emphasised Artur Lima.

“We want science to respond to current problems through its application and focus on the development of innovative processes, services and products, capable of transforming the Region and benefiting the entire community,” he stressed.

CoRe is promoting a strategic institutional reorganisation, as the ecosystem is now structured in three main types of entities: Research and Development (R&D), interface and innovation. This clarification of roles aligns the region with European and national categories. It also defines the process for recognition and access to the system, thereby addressing shortcomings in the previous legislation.

The new legislation also consolidates the sector’s fundamental principles, establishing autonomy and freedom of research, integrity, open science, internationalisation, and social and environmental responsibility.

This new support scheme will replace the former PROSCIENTIA with SAPiÊNCIA,  introducing much clearer rules on access, eligibility and the accumulation of incentives. Furthermore, it will change the funding structure to the "Type of Operation" model, which is fully aligned with current European guidelines and programmes.

With this complete overhaul, the Azores are substantially strengthening the legal framework and coordination capacity of the regional science and innovation ecosystem.

“We are navigating a rapidly evolving global context that demands greater adaptability and competitiveness,” stated Artur Lima.

CoRe positions itself as a solid, comprehensive and flexible platform, designed to empower beneficiaries to access international funding and keep pace with the evolution of global knowledge over the coming decades.

“Therefore, this new legal framework and support system meets the current need for structural policies for science and technology in the Region, fulfilling one of the strategic goals: fostering a development model based on knowledge and innovation,” emphasised Artur Lima.