The Vice-President of the Azores Government, Artur Lima, participated in the 2nd Ministerial Summit of the DETA – Disruptive & Emerging Technology Alliance in Brussels. The high-level event brought together political leaders and experts to accelerate cooperation on digital policy and emerging technologies among alliance members.

During the morning session, the role of emerging digital technology in the European Union was discussed, in particular its geopolitical dimension. In this regard, members addressed European competitiveness and security, considering connectivity through submarine cables, cybersecurity, and transformations driven by artificial intelligence. During the afternoon session, the implications of artificial intelligence in the field of human rights were analyzed and discussed, as well as the future strategic guidelines of DETA. For the Vice President of the Government, attendance at the 2nd Ministerial Summit is of particular importance, noting the continued external projection of the Azores in forums of high interest.”

“The regional strategy for the technological development of the Azores is progressing,” said Artur Lima.

“We presented the regional context to the other members. The region is undergoing rapid technological evolution, as demonstrated by the approval of the country’s first spaceport in Santa Maria,” he emphasized. According to the Vice President, the Regional Government is taking action to “take full advantage of the Azores’ absolutely strategic position.” In this sense, he considered the digital sector to be decisive. “In the next two years, Google’s Nuvem and Sol cables should be operational, connecting to the Region,” said Artur Lima.

This infrastructure “will attract technological investment to the Azores,” he said, also referring to the example of the new weather radar, which enables key data to be obtained in the Atlantic space. “The geostrategic relevance of the Azores also lies in the potential identified for the development of future sectors, supported, for example, by data science and innovation,” Artur Lima pointed out. “Benefits are expected for the entire region,” he concluded.

Earlier this year, the Autonomous Region of the Azores became a member of DETA. This international coalition brings together national and regional governments from around the world to promote coordination and debate on innovation and emerging technologies.

From a Press Release

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.