Science and technology in Portugal: From late awakening to the challenge of knowledge-integrated communities

Abstract

The evolution over time of science and technology (S&T) in Portugal and its impact on modernising higher education are analysed taking account of the relationship between knowledge diffusion and the development of Portuguese society in a world grown increasingly globalised. Three crucial aspects are underlined: (1) the scale of the system and the need for continued public support for the advanced training of human resources through R&D; (2) the need to diversify, differentiating the role of public and private funding for science, whilst preserving the integrity of research institutions; (3) the recognition that S&T requires both stability and the ongoing commitment of people and institutions. In recent years, of OECD Member States, Portugal showed one of the highest S&T growth rates. In 2009, related investment reached 1.71% of GDP as against just 0.8% in 2005 and less than 0.4% in late 1980s. If further sustainability and maturity are to be achieved as too, an effective socioeconomic impact, Portugal needs to maintain its S&T investment. Strengthening linkages between S&T and higher education is critical to the latter's continued modernisation.