The University of Aveiro hosted, on September 24, the second Intermediate Public Session of the Mobilizing Agenda ILLIANCE, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
This Public Session, under the theme “Contribution to the Competitiveness and Resilience of the Portuguese Economy”, aimed to present the results achieved so far within the scope of this Agenda and to encourage reflection on its contribution to the competitiveness and resilience of the Portuguese economy.

The event began with an opening session led by João Veloso, Vice-Rector of the University of Aveiro, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between academia, industry, and public institutions.
This was followed by a presentation from Nelson Ferreira, International Head of Industry 4.0 at BOSCH Thermotechnology, who discussed the challenges of competitiveness and technological innovation within the ILLIANCE Agenda.
Marta Marques, Coordinator of UACOOPERA, concluded the opening session by reinforcing the role of the University of Aveiro as a driving force for collaborative innovation.

After these presentations, the panel “Boosting Economic Competitiveness and Resilience through R&D and Innovation: The Strategic Role of the PRR Mobilizing Agendas” took place, moderated by Pedro Dominguinhos, President of the National Monitoring Commission of the PRR.
This panel featured representatives from five Mobilizing Agendas: Nelson Ferreira (ILLIANCE), António Braz Costa (TEXP@CT), Nuno Rocha (NEW SPACE PORTUGAL), Ana Machado Silva (VIIAFOOD), and José Carlos Caldeira (PRODUTECH R3).
The sharing of experiences among the various PRR Agendas highlighted the importance of research, innovation, and investment in strengthening national competitiveness.

The event concluded at the Technological Demonstration Space, where a networking session was held between the Agenda’s co-promoters and the other participants. In this space, attendees were able to discover some of the products, processes, and services being developed within the ILLIANCE Agenda by partners such as Bosch, CeNTI, CITEVE, OLI, Revigrés, and the University of Aveiro.
These products will, among other factors, increase the energy efficiency of buildings, improve comfort, and promote the sustainability of built environments.
Focusing on its three pillars — health, comfort, and sustainability — the ILLIANCE Agenda reaffirms itself as an essential contributor to the energy transition and carbon neutrality in Portugal’s construction sector.