en 
In a brief speech, the executive leader considered that the country is facing the challenge of knowing "how to take a new leap" at the technological level and argued that the path is through training more qualified staff, retaining talent, attracting external talent, by building companies with greater added value and by a greater connection between companies and knowledge-producing entities.
Afterwards, he commented on an intervention made minutes before by a young woman linked to technology companies, who said that in Spain there is a conviction that Portugal is more advanced in terms of implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
“We don't just have to be further ahead than Spain. We even have to be further ahead than the other Member States of the European Union. The PRR is very interesting, but it will inject something similar to the Marshall Plan simultaneously in all the countries of the European Union”, he pointed out.
In other words, according to António Costa, “the competition will be brutal, because it will be a competition for everything: for raw materials for construction materials, for microchips, for semiconductors and for talent”.
“So we have to be ahead in order to get ahead towards out goal. Our ambition must be to use this extraordinary opportunity that we now have to not only converge with the European average, but also to start reaching the countries that are in the top 10 of the European Union”, he declared.
At this point, the prime minister defended that Portugal has the resources to do so, due to its high rate of graduates in engineering, “the third in the European Union, with only Austria and Germany ahead”.
António Costa later maintained that the technological ecosystem in Portugal “has been very vibrant”, but warned that it is essential that it “continue to grow”.
“This is an absolute priority for the country”, he declared, before referring to the fact that Portugal already has “seven unicorns”, technological companies with capital in excess of one billion US dollars.
“These seven unicorns convey a message of trust to all other startups. Most startups will never be unicorns. But the example that these unicorns set is a huge motivating factor for those who are already doing business, for those who are still studying, or for those out there”, he added.
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Mr Costs, those who lives in glass door should never throw stones. Look at our country first. We are like third world country in terms of development. Corruption is highest amount all public services. Give yourself a honest answer. Look at immigration reform. Look at finance and social security departments. Worst ever working style. Look at income Vs expenses of households. You and your government has no will change the problems of the people of Portugal. Our country has potential to become the best but unfortunately has no direction.
By Lawrence August from Lisbon on 19 Dec 2021, 19:14
Hello from NZ,
I will only add 2 comments to the points made. The statement from Portuguese leaders is bold and positive, with lots of energy. There can be no detractors to positive words, constructive and creatively expressed words.
The actions thru laws of any officials anywhere in the world need to be reflective of, and responsive to, not just the super speed of technological innovations but to the wishes of each and every person within a constituency or land. The person on the street and the person in political halls of power are in the end of equal value. Therefore we need to be listening and going forward together, not be lead and subjugated, exploited and used, rather we as nations need to look closely at the bigger picture of how to give every citizen of this world access to clean water, air, food, housing, and environment, a place free of corruption, free of war and hate, a place where we can live in peace with each other.
It is not a question of just technology and the run resources, but a real close look at how we as humans interact with each other. Life can be so wonderful when simple natural common laws/natural ethics were followed that give people joy, happiness and peace.
There is no race, for there is never a winner if somebody is left hungry or deprived of adic human rights.
Work together is the best motto, work on common good, with high spirits, and with love for one's fellow human beings and the natural world that is there for us to co-exist in, on equal terms.
Bless the people of Portugal
Find peace in your minds and love in your hearts
By Bullock from Other on 20 Dec 2021, 00:05
You are truly living in a great era...of delusional thinking.
By Joao Soares from Lisbon on 20 Dec 2021, 08:03
It is true that Portugal has the potential for a strong high tech sector. This aptitude has been demonstrable for some time. However to take full advantage of it Portuguese leaders need to resolve some endemic problems: the counter productive hiring and employment legislation, excessive cost of the civil service and government, poor education standards. And sooner or later someone has to have the guts to overhall "Portugal's shame", the ludicrously ineffective legal system.
By Peter Kirby Higgs from Lisbon on 20 Dec 2021, 09:03
Agreed that 'nations need to look closely at the bigger picture of how to give every citizen of this world access to clean water, air, food, housing, and environment, a place free of corruption, free of war and hate, a place where we can live in peace with each other'. But how is this possible? We are already so many that we are in competition for resources and we are increasing!
By Richard P Beauchamp from Other on 20 Dec 2021, 17:36
Portugal has the great potential of it's people and resources to be a strong contender not only in the world but also in the world's economy.
By Lisa from Other on 20 Dec 2021, 23:42