INESC TEC and ANACOM signed collaboration agreement in communications, space activities and the digital ecosystem

Development of studies and surveys, scientific projects, and training initiatives and the design of best practices are among the actions established in the collaboration protocol signed by ANACOM – the Portuguese National Communications Authority – and INESC TEC. The cooperation focuses on communications, space activities and the digital ecosystem – particularly their scientific, technological, legal, economic and sociological dimensions.

Communications, Space and Artificial Intelligence are common ground for INESC TEC and ANACOM, which have now formalised their intention to work together through a collaboration agreement aimed at advancing these areas and addressing shared challenges, in a context where technology and innovation play an increasingly central role. Building on a history of cooperation in communications, the two institutions join forces (through an interdisciplinary approach) to boost a series of initiatives, including studies and surveys and the promotion of scientific projects.

This partnership also translates into: development of specific training programmes; monitoring of technological and regulatory advances in the aforesaid domains; technical and scientific consultancy; design of best-practice guidelines; partnership in academic works; and organisation/participation in events.

“This protocol with ANACOM confirms INESC TEC’s contribution to strengthening public policy and regulatory capacity in rapidly evolving technological domains. Through the generation of scientific and technological knowledge, interdisciplinary approaches and the development of best practices, INESC TEC’s expertise will support informed regulation – one that promotes innovation, anticipates emerging challenges and protects citizens and consumers,” said João Claro, Chairman and CEO of INESC TEC.

“ANACOM’s participation in this protocol relies on regulatory experience and integrated vision of the supervised sectors, contributing to research initiatives, training and the development of best practices with a direct impact on the quality of regulation. The joint implementation of studies, surveys and scientific projects with INESC TEC reflects a commitment to evidence-based regulation supported by specialised knowledge. It also demonstrates ANACOM’s responsibility to anticipate challenges in the areas of communications, space activities and Artificial Intelligence, integrating scientific inputs into the definition of regulatory guidelines and practices,” underlined Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board of Directors of ANACOM.

The collaboration protocol was signed during a visit by ANACOM’s Board of Directors and a group of senior directors to INESC TEC, during which both institutions presented their work. INESC TEC’s presentation focused on the institution’s key domains: Communications, Robotics, Ocean, Space and Artificial Intelligence. The visit continued with tours of INESC TEC’s Communications Laboratory and Robotics and Autonomous Systems Laboratory.

ANACOM’s mission is to regulate the electronic communications and postal sectors, as well as space activities. It is also the competent authority and national coordinator for digital services in Portugal, overseeing compliance with European Union legislation protecting fundamental rights in the use of Artificial Intelligence systems, while holding duties in the field of data intermediation services, acting as the national sectoral cybersecurity authority.