Lawyer Adolfo Mesquita Nunes and Arlindo Oliveira, Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, debated the technological and AI-related challenges Portugal will face over the next presidential term, in a discussion moderated by José Pedro Frazão.
Here’s the straight talk version — no buzzword confetti.
1. AI is inevitable, preparation is optional (but costly)
Arlindo Oliveira was clear: AI adoption isn’t a future scenario, it’s already here. The real risk for Portugal isn’t “AI replacing jobs” — it’s Portugal failing to scale talent, research, and applied innovation fast enough. Countries that hesitate will become tech consumers, not creators.
2. Regulation: balance or brake pedal?
Adolfo Mesquita Nunes stressed that regulation will define competitiveness. Europe loves rules — sometimes a bit too much. The challenge is avoiding overregulation that scares away innovation, while still protecting citizens. AI governance must be smart, flexible, and aligned with economic reality, not written like a legal museum piece.
3. The State as a bottleneck (and potential accelerator)
Both agreed the Portuguese public sector moves slowly — which is a problem when technology evolves monthly. Digital transformation of the State, AI in public services, and better tech procurement aren’t “nice to have”; they’re mandatory if Portugal wants relevance.
4. Talent: trained here, hired elsewhere
Portugal produces strong engineers and researchers — and then exports them. Without competitive conditions, ambitious projects, and real industry–academia bridges, brain drain will continue. Patriotism doesn’t pay rent.
5. Strategic vision beats isolated initiatives
Scattered pilot projects won’t cut it. Portugal needs long-term technological strategy, independent of political cycles. AI, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and education must be treated as national priorities — not press-release moments.
The next five years will decide whether Portugal plays offense or defense in AI and technology. The tools exist. The talent exists. What’s missing is speed, coordination, and courage.
The clock’s ticking — and AI doesn’t wait for elections.
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