Azorean Government available to reinforce University's contribution to growth and job creation in the Region
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology expressed the Government's willingness to reinforce the contribution of the University of the Azores to economic growth and job creation in the Region.
Gui Menezes conveyed a message from the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, at the solemn session celebrating the 42nd anniversary of the University of the Azores. The government official stated that this partnership would "reinforce the mechanisms that will transfer university research results to companies, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the economy."
"This is also why, in the context of these celebrations, the Government of the Azores proposes once again a contract between the Regional Government and the University of the Azores in order to strengthen the contribution of this Academy to economic growth and job creation," stressed the Regional Secretary.
With this contract, it is intended that the Region and the University become closely involved and coordinated so that the latter, in the exercise of its autonomy, may assess the actual needs in terms of employment and, above all, in terms of economic growth, mentioned Gui Menezes.
Gui Menezes stressed that this proposal "is not intended to replace existing support," but represents "a new level of understanding regarding the role that the University of the Azores can play in the Region by highlighting the component of economic growth and job creation."
Gui Menezes stressed that the Regional Government recognises the uniqueness of the University of the Azores in the context of other universities in the country. Indeed, the Government is "proud of its tripartite structure as it arising from the fact that it is located in an archipelago composed of nine islands."
"If it is true that this tripartite structure, which distinguishes it from other universities in the country, entails added costs, it also represents a reason that justifies the Regional Government's support," said the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology. According to him, the provision of support has translated into a profitable institutional cooperation in the search for specific financial solutions that allow its consolidation.
The Regional Secretary also highlighted the role of the University of the Azores as a "fundamental pillar" in the development process of the Region, both for the scientific work developed on the three campuses and for the higher education studies.
Furthermore, Gui Menezes stressed that the University of the Azores "plays a more central and active role nowadays," pointing out "the wide range of research and research centres, studies and actions that have contributed to the resolution of current issues as well as to the development of the Azores."
"I have no doubt that the Azores are proud of their University and, likewise, I have no doubt that the University is proud of the Region where we live," said the Regional Secretary.