The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in Portugal extends to 2026 and focuses on three principal areas: resilience, digital transition, and climate transition. Out of the 16.6 billion EUR budget, Portugal has secured 5.1 billion EUR, meaning 17% of the plan has been accomplished. But the country has requested an increase in funding to 22.2 billion EUR to respond to economic challenges such as high inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages. It will also include a new chapter on REPowerEU to support energy transition and decrease dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
Central to its digital transformation agenda, Portugal emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI). The Transparency Portal reveals a significant commitment, with 147.5 million EUR allocated to AI projects. This comprises 77.9 million EUR for direct investments and 67 million EUR for other AI-related innovations. Below are some examples:
- Direct Investments in AI (77.9 million EUR): AI aims to revolutionise interactions between public-private entities, customers and citizens through conversational AI agents and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS). The project seeks to create a cognitive service platform in European Portuguese, in addition to enhance user experiences with products and services. Also, the Centre for Responsible AI project envisions a pioneering consortium that will establish the next generation of AI products. This collaborative initiative brings together renowned and smaller startups, alongside leading AI and R&D centers in Portugal. Finally, the Data4ALL project aims to boost 45 Portuguese companies in AI, Internet of things (IoT), Data Science and BigData, by facilitating their digitalisation through technology-based solutions. INOVA+ and DECSIS form the consortium and will lead the execution of the project.
- Healthcare (1.6 million EUR): These projects include the renewal of the scientific and technological support network and orientation towards manufacturing, led by the Value for Health CoLAB.
- R&D (7.5 million EUR): Establishment of Technology Centres in collaboration with educational institutions to introduce AI courses and activities, nurturing future innovators.
- Education (1.5 million EUR): Creation of Science Clubs for schools to engage students in interactive projects and integration of AI courses into the higher educational system.
- Manufacturing (34.7 million EUR): Projects include infrastructure construction, including the Specialised Technology Centres (CTE). In addition, it will provide innovative technology integration, preparing students for Industry 4.0 challenges.
- Data Analysis (2 million EUR): The SmartAP RAM Connect Project stands out as an initiative that employs AI for Big Data Analysis, combining and processing data from diverse sectors to generate valuable insights and informed decision-making.
- Digital Transformation (21.2 million EUR): While CONNECT5 is fostering digital and green transformation in SMEs, DIH4CN initiative accelerates the transition of cities into smart ecosystems through AI. The Portugal Blue Digital Hub is also emphasizing AI-based services.
