Science and Technology in Portugal: From Late Awakening to the Challenge of Knowledge-Integrated Communities

The evolution over time of science and technology (ST (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.