R&D Ecosystem

IPCA adopts a scientific approach based on the generation and application of knowledge, supported by a research and innovation strategy aligned with the region’s intelligent specialisation. With the aim of addressing social  In order to meet social challenges, the institution works in an interdisciplinary and collaborative way, involving organisations from the economic fabric, social sectors, teachers, researchers and students, in a commitment to long-term sustainable development. 

The articulation of the R&D ecosystem is a core foundation for the realisation of the goals and objectives of IPCA’s strategy. Various measures and initiatives have been taken or are under development to implement the strategic goals set for the research area.  have been taken or are being developed, focusing mainly on five objectives:    1) Scientific employment and attracting talent; 2) Strengthening the network of international cooperation; 3) Expanding R&D+.  international cooperation; 3) developing R&D+I support infrastructures; 4) increasing interdisciplinary capacities; and 5) creating impact and value. 

In order to achieve these goals and objectives, 3 strategic vectors have been defined for the implementation of operational actions: 

1) Integration of internal (students and teachers) and external (companies and institutions) actors in research projects.  (companies and institutions) in research projects from a collaborative perspective. 

2) Research projects addressing societal and sustainable development challenges 

3) Promoting open science, transdisciplinarity and community involvement in R&D activities  Community involvement in R&D activities: a) Training and empowerment of teachers and students in technological or social innovation  technological or social innovation, 

IPCA’s scientific organisation is currently formalised in 3 R&D units, R&D units classified as “very good” by the FCT: 2Ai – Laboratory in Applied Artificial Intelligence; CICF – Centre for Research in Accounting and Taxation; and ID+ Institute for Research in Design, Art, Media and Culture (management unit in collaboration with the University of Porto and the University of Aveiro). These units account for a large proportion of IPCA’s full-time teaching staff and involve students from a variety of courses in their activities, indicators that have been growing in recent years. 

IPCA, through the 2Ai R&D unit, has integrated, in 2021, the largest associated laboratory in the field of artificial intelligence in Portugal, LASI – Laboratório Associado in the field of intelligent systems and the Digital Innovation Hub, ATTRACT DIH in the field of artificial intelligence and supercomputing. It also has research groups in the areas of tourism, business management and law. Management and Law, where the teaching staff who carry out their R&D activities in these areas are involved in R&D units, are involved in R&D units at other higher education institutions, such as CITUR, JusGov and UNIAG.