Editorial

Internationalisation plays a decisive role in the growth and sustainability strategy of the Portuguese business sector. This will be a particularly challenging year, not only due to the geoeconomic tensions that mark the international context but also due to the end of projects financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), which represented a unique and unrepeatable boost to research, development and innovation activity in Portugal. In this new scenario, it is imperative to promote the sustained growth of the internationalisation of the Portuguese business sector to attract investment, diversify sources of financing and reduce exposure to the risks associated with excessive dependence on the national market and funding.

The CCG/ZGDV Institute has consistently established itself as a leading institution in applied research and technological innovation for the digital economy in Portugal. In line with this ambition, the Institute has been developing an internationalisation strategy geared towards the digital transformation of various sectors through participation in international trade missions, fairs and exhibitions, where it showcases projects, services and technical and scientific expertise, as well as above all, through active involvement in international collaborative networks that facilitate access to advanced knowledge, innovative methodologies and new skills. This positioning allows the Institute to engage in large-scale research, development, innovation and technology transfer initiatives, particularly those geared towards global challenges aligned with the research and innovation strategy of the European Commission or other international entities dedicated to promoting a sustainable future, and to strengthen its ability to anticipate emerging technological trends, becoming a strategic partner for companies seeking to innovate.

In a context where the challenges to the sustainability of organisations are becoming more acute, the CCG/ZGDV Institute must continue to accelerate and deepen its internationalisation strategy. Only in this way will it be able to support national companies in their internationalisation processes, disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired in the international context among local ecosystems and consolidate its role as a reference in applied research and technological innovation. This dynamic generates a multiplier effect as it directly benefits the Institute and strengthens the national innovation ecosystem, ensuring that Portugal maintains its competitiveness in a constantly evolving global technology market.

João Sousa
International Science and Business Manager