Researchers, including Alexandre Quintanilha, President of the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology at the University of Porto, Manuel Sobrinho Simões, and Mário Figueiredo from the Institute of Telecommunications, have recently endorsed a letter responding to the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation’s initiative to involve the scientific community in discussions about the newly planned Research and Innovation Agency (AI2). This agency aims to integrate the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Innovation Agency (ANI).
While the reform objectives of enhancing innovation and scientific advancement are publicly acknowledged, the authors of the letter assert that the merger of the two entities might not fulfill these goals. They emphasize the importance of measures that promote foundational system collaboration and highlight the benefits of maintaining two separate autonomous agencies: one focusing on research projects under scientific oversight, and the other concentrating on development in the business sector, consortium research, and innovation, governed by both science and economic authorities.
The letter suggests establishing flexible structures comprised of researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies to evaluate potential knowledge generated and its application possibilities. They explain that such assessments could lead to the creation of startups, patent registrations, or channeling solutions to laboratory tests, businesses, or public sector entities.
The letter also highlights the need for improved patent processes, proposing the creation of an evaluation and support office within the current ANI to assist with patent registration and intellectual property management challenges.
University heads and researchers advocate for new competitions to access supplementary funding aimed at developing innovative aspects of research projects. Additionally, they suggest competitions for joint applications between companies, higher education institutions, or research institutes with market ideas and challenges that require expertise. These ideas would be assessed by the funding entity, and if deemed appropriate, employer entities could benefit from funding to subcontract scientific system entities.
Furthermore, they propose that funds from the Business R&D Tax Incentive System can be employed to contract innovation projects to entities within the national scientific and technological system.
The decree-law establishing the new agency was approved by the government on September 4 and is awaiting approval from the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The Minister of Science has indicated that the President has already requested clarifications from the executive regarding the decree.
On Friday, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation announced it would begin consultations from Tuesday with representatives from the scientific and innovation communities to discuss AI2’s operational framework. Some of the letter-signers previously contacted the Presidency in September, expressing concerns over FCT’s dissolution.
