Porto Business School will host an event focused on the socioeconomical impact of CoLABs in Portugal. The initiative will bring together business leaders, researchers, and public policymakers.
In addition the event will present a new study developed by the school’s Applied Research team. The research examines the contribution of CoLABs to innovation, competitiveness, and knowledge transfer.
CoLAB Impact Highlights the Maturity of the Model
The study concludes that CoLABs have entered a strong consolidation phase. These organizations have grown steadily and strengthened their role within the national innovation ecosystem.
Therefore the researchers argue that CoLABs are no longer experimental structures. The findings show clear economic impact and strong collaboration between science and industry.
In addition the study warns against reducing support during this critical growth stage. The research team believes that interrupting momentum could limit future results.
CoLABs Address Critical Market Gaps
The researchers examined how CoLABs operate in areas with limited private investment. The study concludes that these organizations address clear market failures.
Therefore public funding does not create unfair competition with private companies. CoLABs focus on activities that businesses often avoid because of risk or uncertain returns.
In addition these organizations accelerate collaborative projects between companies and research centers. This model supports applied innovation and technological development.
Study Reveals Strong Economic Returns
The study identifies economic results that exceeded the team’s initial expectations. The findings surprised the researchers involved in the project.
Thus the authors argue that public investment in CoLABs delivers impressive returns. The report highlights positive effects on innovation capacity and national economic performance.
However the researchers also point to limitations in traditional evaluation methods. Many scientific indicators fail to capture the broader impact created by CoLABs.
Event Explores New Impact Evaluation Metrics
The event will also promote a broader discussion about impact assessment. The study proposes new guidelines for evaluating CoLAB performance.
On the other hand the authors defend metrics that better reflect knowledge transfer and industry collaboration. The goal is to recognize economic and social impact more accurately.
The main presentation will be delivered by Filipe Grilo, Head of Applied Research at Porto Business School.
Business and Institutional Leaders Join the Discussion
The program includes two panels featuring representatives from leading companies and CoLABs. Speakers will include executives from Navigator, Bosch, Super Bock, EDP, and Capgemini.
In addition representatives from InnovPlantProtect, Smart Energy Lab, +Atlantic, Vortex, Value for Health, and ProChild will participate in the discussions.
The event will also include institutional contributions from government representatives and Fórum CoLAB. The session will conclude with a networking coffee and refreshments.
Event Agenda
2:30 PM | Welcome Remarks
José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School
2:45 PM | Institutional Opening
3:00 PM | Study Presentation
Filipe Grilo, Head of Applied Research at Porto Business School
3:45 PM | Panel — Insights and Key Findings from the Study
António Saraiva, CEO InnovPlantProtect
Nuno Lourenço, President of the Executive Board +Atlantic
Francisco Guimarães, Head of Industry Partnerships at VORTEX-CoLAB
Filipe Santos, CEO at Smart Energy Lab
Ana Londral, Executive & Scientific Director at Value for Health CoLAB
José Fernando Côrte-Real, Board at ProChild CoLAB
Moderator: Filipe Grilo, Head of Applied research na Porto Business School
4:30 PM | CoLAB Impact on the Economy
André Matos, President of FCoLAB
4:40 PM | Panel — CoLAB Impact on the National Economy
Micaela Soares, Director of Innovation at RAIZ – The Navigator Company
José Mota, Industry 4.0 Coordinator at Bosch
Tiago Brandão, DIrector of Innovation and R&D at Super Bock
André Rocha, Executive Board Member at Grupo Casais
Sofia Tavares, Director of Innovation at EDP
Miguel Garcia, CEO TechnoPhage
Moderator: Jorge Portugal, General Manager of COTEC
5:30 PM | Closing Session
João Rui Ferreira, Secretary of State for the Economy
6:00 PM | Networking Coffee & Refreshments
Register for the Event
Join the presentation of the new study on CoLAB impact and engage with business leaders, researchers, and policymakers shaping the future of innovation in Portugal.