The Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures challenged  companies today to be increasingly associated to public authorities for joint investments in the Information and Knowledge Society, “in order to support audacious programmes and actions,” which allow researchers to find scientific solutions for the Region’s needs.
José Contente spoke at the opening session of the conference on “Tecnologia Espacial – Desafios e Oportunidades” (Spatial Technology – Challenges and Opportunities) which is taking place today in Ponta Delgada.
The Secretary alerted the 150 participants for the fact they should not stick to “the more or less inconsequent intensions,” but they should rather assume “the unquestionable role of Science in the present and future.”
The Government of the Azores chose a Regional political referential for the current legislature under the Science and Technology area, which results in great strategic lines, mentioned the Secretary.
Hence, José Contente gave examples regarding the consolidation of the Regional Scientific and Technological System, the internationalisation of research and development units, the increase of skilled labour, the stimulation of science centres and the promotion of information and communication technologies available to the University of the Azores and to the community as a whole.
The Secretary also announced the Azores application, through the SRCTE, for the ENERGETIC project, which aims to create an European Network of Regional Geospatial Information Centres.
The ENERGIC project allows a more efficient cooperation between several European regions, mainly through the European Network of Regional Geospatial Information Centres. The integration of the Azores in this network requires an investment of 245 thousand Euros, said the Secretary.
According to José Contente, “with the ENERGIC project we will have a great opportunity of contacting and sharing experiences and knowledge with other European regions in one of the most important areas of our time, the information and knowledge technology, thus allowing us to innovate and create new competences at the Geo@çores.”
The Secretary stated that through the Geo@çores the Autonomous Region of the Azores already has a technological platform serving as a repository and supplier of information. He also added that this system will be adjusted in order to be closer to the users, reiterating the desire that mayors and local companies include their citizenship information in that platform.
José Contente also announced that the Geo@çores will cease to be a tool only available to the Regional Government, “we will start the process of creating network services in order to share geographical data between several public, regional and local entities.”
The Geo@çores will also provide a minimum number of free services to the public from the very beginning, such as search and display of geo-referenced information, in addition to all types of information on citizenship, assured the Secretary.
In addition to the Geo@çores new dynamic, the opening to the community and the interaction with the public, the Secretary also announced the IDEA, an Azorean interactive Spatial Data infrastructure.
José Contente said that “he believes that advances in the Science and Technology world will allow the conquering of serene and critical rationalities and the society’s emancipation, which is based upon rigour, tolerance and freedom, all precious lessons for today and forever.”