On June 30, 4LifeLAB attended the event “7 years of CoLABs: impacts and perspectives,” which took place at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento in Lisbon.
The initiative brought together the 41 Collaborative Laboratories (CoLABs), as well as policy makers, experts from the Portuguese innovation ecosystem, leaders from different sectors, and representatives from public and private entities. The aim was to assess the impact of the work carried out over the last seven years by the CoLABs, address future prospects, and identify strategies to enhance the contribution of scientific research and innovation to the economy and society.
Promoted by the Collaborative Laboratories Forum (FCoLAB), the program featured several presentations and discussions, with notable contributions from Fernando Alexandre (Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation), João Rui Ferreira (Secretary of State for the Economy), Manuel Heitor (IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research), Madalena Alves (President of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)), and António Grilo (President of the National Research Agency), among others.
In his speech, the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, emphasized the purpose of science at the national level: “We hope that science created in Portugal will generate innovation. More than technology, innovation is the answer to society’s problems. You are the agents of change!”
The meeting promoted reflection, the creation of synergies, and the strengthening of collaborative networks among the various participants, consolidating the role of CoLABs as platforms for connecting science, business, and society, and as catalysts for an economy based on specialized knowledge.
4LifeLAB was also present in the exhibition area, which provided an opportunity to showcase some of its ongoing projects.
Indicators and impact of the first seven years of CoLABs activity:
- + 260 projects approved
- + 1300 skilled jobs created
- €19 million in tax revenue generated in 2023
- + 900 interactions with companies
- 33 patent applications (10 granted)
- 680 scientific articles published
- 295 partner entities (59% companies)
- 1/3 of CoLABs located in the interior of the country, reinforcing territorial cohesion
