Investment in São Miguel Science and Technology Park is opportunity to attract talent in information technology, highlights José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, opened today the Information and Communication Technologies Business Centre on the island of São Miguel, municipality of Lagoa.

The second building of the São Miguel Science and Technology Park (NONAGON) begins its activities with 15 companies and more than 200 employees, positioning itself as a driving force for the information and communication technology sector in the Azores.

The President of the Government offered a word of encouragement to all those who will find in this business centre "an opportunity for growth, development and revitalisation," boosting the Azores, as a region with its geostrategic positioning, "to attract talent for information and communication technologies, science, innovation, development and the digital transition."

The Business Centre aims to bring together multiple technological infrastructures in a single location, attracting companies both for the business opportunities generated and their interest in innovation and synergies through complementarity.

The space includes innovative elements, such as a FabLab, high-performance computing and a data visualisation room. It is expected to attract interest from external entities to the Science and Technology Park, fostering new opportunities for companies and projects to establish themselves in the Region, in addition to promoting the internationalisation of the Azorean Scientific and Technological System.

"We do not have the constraint of remoteness in the science and digital sphere. We have an opportunity to be in the middle of the planet," said José Manuel Bolieiro.

He added: "This is an opportunity for us to have the logistical capacity to keep and attract talent in  science, technology and innovation."

The Programme of the XIV Government of the Azores highlights the importance of science and technology in the social and economic development of the Region, with a strong focus on innovation.

The Programme also acknowledges the potential of Artificial Intelligence, whereby the Government proposes to increase investment in science and technology.

The development of programmes to empower communities, promoting digital inclusion and boosting economic and social opportunities; the provision of access to financial resources, mentoring and infrastructure for innovative entrepreneurs in Azorean science parks; the strengthening of international partnerships to promote the exchange of knowledge; the promotion of applied research as a fundamental strategy for development, income and scientific advancement; the strengthening of the regional scientific and technological system, supporting research centres in their operation, human resources and scientific upgrading; the support of the Regional Science and Technology Fund in awarding research grants, participating in scientific studies and projects, and programmes of international interest are other measures outlined in the Programme.

Moreover, the Regional Government intends to develop ongoing projects and structures, namely the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park - TERINOV and the Information and Communication Technologies Business Centre at the São Miguel Island Science and Technology Park - NONAGON. It will also support science and technology parks, boosting the creation and maintenance of the associated ecosystems, and fostering the development of research projects and the enhancement of human capital.

The opening of the Information and Communication Technologies Business Centre marks a significant step in the Regional Government's ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, research and sustainable development, benefiting the Azorean economy and society.