The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport announced today that the implementation of the Digital and Technological Agenda will allow a direct and indirect investment of 40 million Euros in the regional technological sector by 2020.

During the presentation of the Agenda at the auditorium of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Transport in the city of Ponta Delgada, Vítor Fraga noted that this document "consolidates the necessary conditions" to be able to win the "challenge of resisting and overcoming the effects of a national and international adverse situation, thus reducing its impact."

On the other hand, it also responds to the challenge of "building the foundations for a better future, based on our resources, and together with the people who give their best on a daily basis to make the Azores a better place to live in."

The Regional Secretary stressed that the Agenda will provide" guidelines for the Government's action in the digital and technological sectors," comprising four axes, twenty-nine measures and an implementation period until 2020.

The Digital and Technological Agenda has three main goals: attracting technology-based investments to the Azores, improving skills in the fields of technologies and engineering, and stimulating the emergence of small and medium companies for a digital-oriented market.

On the other hand, Vítor Fraga stated that "this tool aims to strengthen the permanent and efficient link between the various parties: Government, companies, university and society."

The Digital and Technological Agenda comprises for distinct axes: Promote the knowledge and information society: a 21st Century need; Stimulate technology-based training:  provide skills in the Azores; Boost the transfer of technology for companies: generate added value in our economy; Develop technological infrastructures: promote the implementation of cutting-edge projects in the Azores in key or emerging areas.