The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Fund for Science and Technology, has joined the Community of Good Practices of the Seal of Excellence, after formal notification from the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.

This community includes 68 members from all European countries, including ministries of Member States, several directorate-generals of the European Commission, regional governments and science funding agencies. Its work is mainly carried out through an electronic platform - SINAPSE in order to promote the exchange of information on national and regional practices by filling in questionnaires and attending periodic in-person meetings.

The Community of Good Practices of the Seal of Excellence was created following the launch of the seal of excellence by the European Commission. It allows regions to recognise the quality proposals submitted under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation of the European Union 2014-2020, designated as Horizon 2020, and promotes access of national or regional investment programs to financing funds.

The President of the Regional Fund for Science and Technology stressed that this is "an opportunity to dialogue with 68 members, establishing procedures for greater coordination between structural funds and those directly managed by the European Commission."

Nelson Simões also stressed that "the Commission has the habit of turning good practices into financial obligations in the following framework; hence it is of utmost importance for the Region to follow European debates in the appropriate forums."

With this initiative, the Regional Fund for Science and Technology aims to improve the ability of the Regional Scientific and Technological System in order to explore synergies between various European funds, thus promoting public investment and diversifying sources of funding for science and technology in Azores.