INOVA+ successfully coordinated the application of the CENTRO +INVEST project, which has just been approved. This project, which integrates 6 Municipalities of the Intermunicipal Communities of Coimbra, Leiria and Viseu Dão Lafões, has as its main objective to promote attractiveness and competitiveness in the Central Region of Portugal.
With a total investment of 5,881,970 euros, of which around 5 million are supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the CENTRO +INVEST project will run until December 31, 2026.
The strategy of the CENTRO +INVEST network focuses on the establishment and expansion of business activities intensive in knowledge and innovation, aligned with the main areas of productive specialization in the Central Region. Among these highlighted areas are:
- Bioeconomy
- Tooling
- Digital Technologies
- Health
- Space
- Tourism
Main goals of the CENTRO +INVEST project
CENTRO +INVEST aims to create a robust intra-regional business network, with a focus on innovation. Key objectives include:
- Contribute to the offer of qualified business location solutions;
- To encourage the creation and establishment of companies (national and international) with innovative investment models;
- Foster the growth of employment opportunities;
- Implement new strategies to retain and attract talent in the labor market of the Central Region.
Entities from the Central Region involved
The application for funding was coordinated by a consortium of 12 entities, led by the Municipality of Coimbra. The consortium is composed of several public and private institutions, namely: Municipality of Coimbra; Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Coimbra; Pedro Nunes Institute; Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra; iParque; University of Coimbra; Municipality of Cantanhede; Municipality of Oliveira do Hospital; Municipality of Penacova; Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region; Municipality of Marinha Grande; and, Municipality of Viseu.
Official presentation of the CENTRO +INVEST project
The CENTRO +INVEST project was officially presented in the Noble Hall of the Municipality of Coimbra, on September 11, 2024. The session was attended by several prominent figures, including Miguel Sousa, CEO of INOVA+, and André Cester Costa, leader of the National Policies Unit at INOVA+.
With the creation of this intra-regional urban network, a significant impact is expected on economic development and on the enhancement of the technological and innovative capacities of the Central Region. This will strengthen the position of this region of Portugal as a pole of attractiveness for investments and talents in various sectors considered to be of relevant strategic interest within the scope of the RIS3 of the Centre (Regional Strategy for Smart Specialization).
Did you know that INOVA+ has a team dedicated to providing technical assistance to municipalities, municipal associations, and other public administration entities? This team supports the execution of policies for economic development and attractiveness, and the transformation and innovation of territories. Learn more here!
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