Technology, innovation, and sustainability take center stage at Porto Business School’s global forum on the future of business and society.
Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo was one of the standout speakers at the What’s Next Summit 2025, a major event hosted by Porto Business School that brought together business leaders, policymakers, and international experts to explore the role of innovation and technology in shaping the future.
In his closing keynote, Gouveia e Melo emphasized the importance of robotics in marine exploration, highlighting its role in advancing ocean sustainability and strengthening maritime security.
Portugal, home to one of Europe’s largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)—approximately 1.7 million km²—has also submitted a proposal to the UN to extend its continental shelf to nearly 4 million km², placing it among the largest maritime nations in the world. This strategic position underlines the need for investment in emerging technologies to sustainably explore and protect marine resources.
Held under the theme “Exploring the Unknown,” the What’s Next Summit 2025 took place at the University of Porto’s Business School, creating a unique space for strategic dialogue on the evolving challenges facing organizations worldwide.
Key speakers included:
– Luis Ounton, researcher at DeGas
– Irene Rosberg, Director of The Blue MBA, Copenhagen Business School
– Jorge Rodrigues, Coordinator of the Geopolitical Risk Observatory for Business at Porto Business School
Topics ranged from the integration of AI in business to the development of resilient organizations and the intersection of innovation, leadership, and sustainability.
The opening session featured José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, and Filipe Araújo, Vice-President of Porto City Council.
“The What’s Next Summit is a key platform to anticipate future challenges, explore new opportunities, and reflect on the role of technology and innovation in building a more sustainable and resilient world,” said José Esteves.
Admiral Gouveia e Melo’s presence reinforced the vital link between strategic leadership, technological advancement, and ocean sustainability—themes that are expected to remain central to the global agenda.