The 2025 INESC Brussels HUB Winter Meeting recently brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives in Porto to reflect on one of the key pillars of Europe’s future: Research and Technology Infrastructures (RTIs). Held at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, this edition was marked by two important moments: forty years of INESC TEC’s path as a research and innovation organisation rooted in Europe, and five years since the launch of our representation in Brussels.
The Winter Meeting once again confirmed the importance of our work in Brussels in connecting our institutional strategy with European research and innovation priorities. This engagement helps us align with policy developments, contribute to discussions that shape the future of R&I, and build meaningful partnerships with other stakeholders, bridging our region and our country to Europe. It also reinforces the role of our work in policy, which aims to connect research with public decision-making, foster dialogue, and support the design of future-oriented strategies.
These contributions are closely linked to our strategy for the coming years, where international collaboration, infrastructure development, and stronger policy engagement are seen as essential enablers of impact. They help us position INESC TEC as a credible and active contributor to broader European, national, and regional discussions, and as an institution that is committed to excellence, relevance, and responsibility.
The conversations throughout the event were strongly interconnected. At their core was a shared recognition of the critical role that RTIs play in advancing scientific excellence, supporting industrial innovation, and contributing to Europe’s technological sovereignty. However, there was also a clear awareness of the challenges that need to be addressed, namely, governance, long-term funding, and accessibility.
Participants from the European Commission, ESFRI, Member States and regions, as well as from research and technology infrastructures, called for more structured coordination across governance levels, greater alignment between national and European strategies, and clearer investment priorities. There was also a strong emphasis on simplifying access and increasing the visibility of RTIs, particularly to support companies and innovation ecosystems.
A central point of the discussion was the importance of engaging with the ongoing debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). This is not only a technical discussion about future budgets; it is a strategic opportunity to make sure research and innovation remain at the heart of Europe’s vision. It is also an essential moment to highlight the role of RTIs in supporting competitiveness, resilience, and inclusive growth. For us, participating in this conversation means contributing to the creation of favourable conditions for excellent research, stronger science-industry connections, and long-term capacity building.
Alongside these policy reflections, there was a very strong focus on practical experiences: how infrastructures are currently governed and funded, how they work with industry, and how they can remain future-proof in the face of emerging challenges. A collaborative workshop created space for this type of exchange and provided concrete input into current EU-level policy consultations.
Taken as a whole, the Winter Meeting was a demonstration of how our work in Brussels and our work in policy can reinforce each other, connecting strategic foresight with institutional action. It also showed the value of combining national, regional, and European perspectives around a shared agenda.
As we celebrate 40 years of INESC TEC, this meeting helped us affirm our commitment to deepening our European engagement, improving our infrastructures, and strengthening our contributions to science, technology and innovation policy. These are essential steps to ensure we continue building a strong, open, and impactful research and innovation ecosystem in Portugal and across Europe.
By João Claro, Chairman of the Board and CEO of INESC TEC
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