Professor Pedro Simões Coelho, researcher at the Information Management Research Center (MagIC) and Coordinator of the NOVA Data-Driven Public Policies Lab, participated as a speaker in the plenary session "From Science to the Ecosystem – Building Territorial Advantages in the Innovation Economy" at Ciência e Inovação 2026, organised by the Portuguese Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²).

Held on 15–16 July 2026, Ciência e Inovação 2026 was the first major national event organised by AI², bringing together researchers, higher education institutions, companies, public authorities and other stakeholders to discuss the role of science and innovation in addressing societal and economic challenges. The event received 206 session proposals, involving more than 1,200 participants from approximately 1,000 organisations, which were organised into six thematic areas: Digital, Health, Environment and Territory, Industry and Energy, Society, and the Science and Innovation Ecosystem.

The plenary session explored how scientific knowledge can be translated into innovation ecosystems that strengthen regional competitiveness and territorial development. Alongside Professor Pedro Simões Coelho, the panel featured Gabriela Leite, Vice-President of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N); Joana Mendonça, Vice-President of Instituto Superior Técnico for the Oeiras Campus; and Jorge Portugal, Director-General of COTEC Portugal.

Professor Pedro Simões Coelho's participation in this high-level plenary session highlights the growing recognition of MagIC's expertise in the fields of data-driven public policies, innovation, and territorial development. It also reflects the Centre's commitment to contributing scientific knowledge to national discussions on research, innovation, and evidence-informed policymaking.