The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Affairs stressed the importance of innovation, challenging the Azorean companies to play the role of "citizens of Europe."
 
Rui Bettencourt spoke Monday in Lagoa at the opening of the conference "Innovation: a new paradigm for the success of organisations," stressing that this is a widely used concept in Northern Europe. According to it, companies have duties and rights; one of which is to "be informed" and "know how to innovate."
 
"Therefore, we are here today," Rui Bettencourt said, highlighting the importance of European innovation strategies as "a fundamental tool for the development and bring the Azores closer to Europe" by innovating, creating jobs and generating wealth in the Region.
 
"Innovation is a key issue for our economic growth," the government official said, considering that we are helping the Azores "to grow economically as other European regions and to meet the challenges of the future."
 
In his speech, the Regional Secretary stressed that Azorean companies can be "as good or better than European counterparts," recalling that, throughout their history, "the Azores, have always innovated, moved forward, generated wealth and created jobs."
 
"Throughout our history, where there was innovation the Azores were always at the forefront. This was the case of the orange trade, alcohol production and tea and pineapple growing. Now, it is happening with milk production and tourism," said the government official.
 
For Rui Bettencourt, "this is what will also happen in the future, with what is still necessary to find out." In this context, the invitation made to Gilles Garel, an innovation expert and speaker at this conference is crucial "to help us discovering and knowing the consequences of innovation in our future."
 
Before the start of the conference, included in the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, under the "European Citizens - Europe for Azoreans" programme, Rui Bettencourt and Gilles Garel visited several innovative companies located at Nonagon - S. Miguel Science and Technology Park.
 
On the occasion, Rui Bettencourt expressed satisfaction with the fact that Gilles Garel considered that the Azores are on right track in the field of innovation.
 
As part of the approach strategy of the Azores to other European territories, the Government promotes an international conference on the island of São Miguel will host an international conference in partnership with OCTA Innovation - Overseas Countries and Territories Association to take place on April 12 and 13.
 
This conference features speakers from various countries and territories to discuss issues such as innovation, sustainability, renewable energy and green and blue economy, among other topics.