Rich learning opportunities in Portugal
Martin Petrov
Marketing Manager of Cluster Sofia Knowledge City
This is a short discribtion of my 3-days learnig trip to Portugal, a result of our international activities and good partnership between our cluster and INNOVA-RIA.
I visited the Digital Communities Summit in Águeda, Aveiro, Portugal, and this visit was filled with rich learning opportunities, insightful discussions, and stimulating exploration of the region's digital landscape. This meticulously planned mission, expertly coordinated by INNOVA-RIA, served as a remarkable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and understanding the strides being taken in creating digital communities.
The first day was characterized by a blend of interactive presentations and immersive visits. Our visit to Altice Labs provided a captivating glimpse into the frontiers of technological innovation. The demonstration of cutting-edge projects in development and discussions with the experts reinforced the importance of relentless innovation in shaping the future. Subsequently, we were welcomed at the University of Aveiro, where we were treated to engaging presentations that illustrated the integral role of academia in fostering a tech-savvy generation. A highlight of the day was our visit to the PCI Creative Science Park. The opportunity to meet with innovative companies, both local and visiting from abroad, sparked enlightening conversations and knowledge exchange. It was inspiring to see the dynamic, collaborative environment fostered at the park and the range of innovative projects in development. The day concluded with a captivating presentation at the Aveiro Tech City Hub in the Atlas Building. The dedication and passion with which the city is positioning itself at the forefront of technology were evident, leaving a lasting impression and a wave of anticipation for the upcoming days.
The second day, dedicated to the Digital Communities Summit, was truly a whirlwind of thought-provoking discussions and insightful presentations. The opportunity to connect with thought leaders, innovators, and experts in the field. The exchanges sparked potential collaborative opportunities and fresh perspectives on creating smart and sustainable digital communities.
Our third day continued with a rich exploration of practical applications of technology. Our first stop, Wavecom, showcased a company on the cutting edge, pushing the boundaries of their field. Their presentation and tour highlighted the integral role such companies play in driving technological progress. This was followed by a visit to the prestigious Instituto de Telecomunicações. Here, we delved into the nuts and bolts of telecommunications, understanding the critical infrastructural backbone that supports the thriving digital innovations in the region.
Portugal is a good example of the advancement of cutting-edge technologies and their use to make cities "smarter". Our partnership with 11 European clusters, including the Portugal one within the Smart City Tech Partnership is one of the tools we will use for a better intervention of our cluster in the development of the city of Sofia.