The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology highlighted in Horta an investment of 13.5 million Euros in Science and Technology for 2018. It aims to "strengthen" the regional scientific and technological system, to "reinforce the transfer of knowledge to economic agents" and to "promote the aerospace potential of the Azores."
 
Gui Menezes spoke at the Legislative Assembly under a discussion of the proposals for next year's Plan and Budget. The government official stressed that knowledge and innovation "are not mere clichés in politics, but rather the path towards a more competitive and more dynamic Region that is capable of creating new opportunities."
 
In this context, the Regional Secretary announced the investment of 8.2 million Euros in the incentive programme for the Azores Scientific and Technological System, which corresponding to an increase of 21% over the amount available for 2017. Moreover, he highlighted the allocation of 2.5 million Euros to the activities carried out by the University's research centres and regional companies, through support for research in business context.
 
"We want to raise the interest of young people in the fields of science and technology," the government official said, noting, among other measures, support for the creation of robotics clubs in Azorean schools.
 
Gui Menezes also assured that, "during the first quarter of 2018," the Government will conclude the works of Terceira Science and Technology Park - TERINOV and purchase the equipment deemed necessary for its operation.
 
"This is a space that will contribute to the development of areas such as agro-food industry and biotechnology," said the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary also highlighted the beginning of the procedures and the construction of the 2nd building at São Miguel Science and Technology Park, NONAGON Lot 32. This five million-Euro investment will become a Communication and Information Technologies Business Centre."
 
During his speech, Gui Menezes added that the Government will invest 1.2 million Euro in aerospace, mentioning the installation of a new antenna integrated in the Santa Maria ESA station and the revitalisation of the Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations (REAGE).
 
"These projects further project the Region's centrality in the study of Space and Earth, providing a significant contribution to the future AIR Center," stressed the government official.
 
As for this international research centre, the government official assured that it will be headquartered on the island of Terceira. The latter will be "the venue of first meeting of the Installing Committee, established by the Declaration of Florianópolis, signed by the Azorean Government, which should be held during the month of January or February."
 
With regard to Sea Affairs, with an estimated investment of 16 million Euros for next year, Gui Menezes stressed the completion of the Maritime School and the beginning of procedures for the acquisition of the necessary equipment for its operation.
 
This infrastructure represents an investment of nearly five million Euros in the Plan and Budget for 2018. This school "has the conditions to open already next year, thus contributing to the qualification and certification of seafarers, and providing young people with new professional opportunities," said the government official.
 
In the context of sustainable policies for the sea, Gui Menezes highlighted the beginning of the second phase of the Strategic Programme for the Azores Marine Environment(PEAMA II), amounting to 280 thousand Euros, which is in line with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
 
Still in Sea Affairs, the government official announced that the investment of 10 million Euros in the management and redevelopment of coastal areas by "awarding priority status to the areas where people and property could be at risk."
 
Gui Menezes also highlighted the 29% increase in the amount available for "interventions that may be necessary to respond to bad weather and other similar situations that may occur," an allocation of 193 thousand Euros.