Lisbon Study Trip
University and Research Leadership Forum

About the Event 

In July 2025, our team had the distinct privilege of embarking on an insightful study trip to Lisbon, Portugal. This event was a key part of the University and Research Leadership Forum initiative on place-making innovation, building upon the "Leadership Dialogue on Universities 4.0 and Their Role in Driving Place-Based Innovation and Socio-Economic Transformation" held previously in Birmingham.

Our journey began at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, a renowned institution where we engaged with faculty and students, gaining valuable insights into Portugal's higher education system and cutting-edge research.

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Our exploration continued at The Unicorn Factory at Beato, a vibrant hub that perfectly embodies Lisbon's burgeoning startup ecosystem. This dynamic space fosters innovation and collaboration, allowing us to connect directly with entrepreneurs, learn about their inspiring journeys, and witness firsthand the energy driving Portugal's future.

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We also had the unique opportunity to visit well-established, highly innovative organizations. These included Grupo Nabeiro's innovation hub, Diverge, the Siemens Portugal tech hub, and the Fundação Champalimaud. At each location, we delved into their innovative approaches and learned about their latest technological advancements.

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This study trip offered a rich blend of academic exploration and real-world exposure to innovation. It provided invaluable perspectives on higher education, entrepreneurship, and the dynamic interplay between these two critical sectors, leaving us inspired by Portugal's commitment to progress.