On 26 June, the NovaSchool of Science and Technology | NOVA FCT hosted an unprecedented event, the first conference dedicated exclusively to the Blue Economy. Organised by FCT NOVA’s Executive Education, the conference brought together an elite group of experts, academics, industrialists and politicians to discuss the sustainable use of Portugal’s vast maritime resources. This meeting not only reaffirmed Portugal’s position as a nation intrinsically linked to the sea, but also outlined the immense potential that the ocean offers for future economic development, always aligned with environmental preservation.

Portugal and the Sea: A Historical Connection with Future Prospects

Portugal, a nation with a respectable maritime legacy, has its historical roots deeply intertwined with the ocean (Costa, 2017). The Portuguese Republic, founded in 1143, extends over a land area of 92,212 km², but it is in the maritime dimension that the country reveals itself to be a European colossus. Portugal’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covers around 1,683,000 km², making it one of the largest in Europe (Sousa et al., 2018). This vast area, subdivided between the mainland and the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, totals approximately 50,957 km² and represents a territory full of opportunities and challenges for the blue economy (Bessa, 2014).

Dynamics of the Blue Economy: Development, Sustainability and Innovation

The conference explored in depth the potential of sectors such as fishing and aquaculture, maritime tourism, offshore renewable energies, marine biotechnology and port infrastructures. The critical importance of sustainability in these sectors was highlighted, as evidenced by Silva and Santos (2019), who argue about the need to harmonise economic growth with the conservation of marine ecosystems. Technological innovation was highlighted as a crucial vector for future development, particularly with regard to renewable energy and biotechnology, areas in which Portugal has the potential to become a global leader (Martins & Fernandes, 2020).

Economic Impact: Academia as a Model

Portugal’s commitment to the blue economy is not only a strategic choice, but also a vital necessity for the country’s subsistence and the preservation of its natural heritage. This initiative reflects a deep understanding that Portugal’s economic future is intrinsically linked to its maritime past and present.

The involvement of academia, in particular NOVA FCT, in fostering and leading discussions on the blue economy highlights a pragmatic and visionary approach, in line with international best practice. This commitment to sustainability and innovation is a brilliant example of the role that higher education can play in transforming a country’s economic foundations.

The economic impact of this sector is tangible and growing. The blue economy has the potential to significantly boost Portugal’s GDP, create jobs, foster innovation and ensure environmental sustainability. Sectors such as offshore renewable energy and coastal tourism not only diversify the Portuguese economy, but also place the country at the forefront of the global green economy.

The development of these sectors, supported by effective public policies and investment in research and development, can transform Portugal into a blue economy model, demonstrating that it is possible to combine economic growth with respect and care for the marine environment.

Policy and Strategy: Guidelines for a Sustainable Blue Future

The conference emphasised the importance of an integrated policy that not only promotes the blue economy, but also ensures environmental protection. International collaboration, especially in the management of transboundary resources and the fulfilment of international environmental guidelines, was highlighted as essential (Nobre, 2021). The role of policymakers in shaping a regulatory environment favourable to investment and innovation was also discussed, with recommendations for policies that encourage research and sustainability (Gomes & Lopes, 2022).

The Ocean as Heritage and Future

This first Blue Economy conference at NOVA FCT served not only to reiterate Portugal’s commitment to a sustainable future, but also to establish an academic and professional dialogue that will hopefully continue to influence policies and practices in the country and beyond. Portugal, with its unique maritime heritage and a present of limitless possibilities at sea, is perfectly placed to lead the way towards a future where the ocean is not only a source of resources, but also a carefully preserved asset for future generations.

This event was not just an academic and professional milestone; it was a reaffirmation of Portugal’s maritime identity and a proclamation of its untapped potential. Portugal’s future, undoubtedly linked to its maritime past and present, promises a journey of innovation, growth and sustainability, guided by the principles of the blue economy.

Referências
Bessa, J. (2014). Mar territorial e ZEE de Portugal. Lisboa: Observatório do Mar.
Costa, H. (2017). O legado marítimo de Portugal. Porto: Edições Marítimas.
Gomes, C., & Lopes, R. (2022). Políticas para a economia azul em Portugal. Coimbra: Universidade de Coimbra Press.
Martins, A., & Fernandes, E. (2020). Tecnologia e inovação na economia azul. Lisboa: TecnoMar Editora.
Nobre, A. (2021). Gestão sustentável dos recursos marinhos. Porto: Editora Oceano.
Silva, P., & Santos, M. (2019). Sustentabilidade e desenvolvimento marítimo. Lisboa: Fundação para o Desenvolvimento Marítimo.
Sousa, L. et al. (2018). Economia azul: Oportunidades e desafios. Porto: Universidade do Porto Press.

 

Orlando Fontan
Senior Project Management | Speaker | Managing Partner at ConceptChange | Professor | Change Management & Transformation Specialist | Information Security | Risk Management | ISO 27001 Certified

 

The Lean philosophy, which originated in the Toyota Production System, has become an essential approach for companies seeking efficiency and competitiveness. With a focus on eliminating waste and continuous improvement, Lean offers a clear path to operational excellence. Lean focuses on several perspectives, including efficiency, productivity, quality and innovation.

Lean is a way of thinking about creating the value you need with fewer resources and less waste. Lean is also a practice that consists of continuous experimentation to achieve perfect value with zero waste. Lean thinking and Lean practice go hand in hand.

Lean thinking always starts with the customer. What does the customer value? Or, phrased differently and inviting concrete action, what problem does the customer need solved?

Lean practice starts with work – the actions that create value for the customer, directly or indirectly – and the people who carry out this function. Through continuous experimentation, employees and managers learn to innovate in their actions, whether physical or intellectual, in order to obtain more and more quality and fluidity, less time and effort, and lower costs. Thus, an organisation characterised by Lean practice is highly adapted to its sometimes constantly changing environment, compared to its peers, due to the systematic and continuous learning fostered by Lean thinking and practice.

 

A Lean organisation must organise itself to continue understanding the customer and their context, i.e. specifying value and looking for better ways to deliver it:

– through product and process development,

– during fulfilment, from order through production to delivery, and

– through the product and/or service utilisation cycle, from delivery, through maintenance and upgrades, to recycling.

 

Lean companies, whether multinationals, SMEs or simply start-ups, are constantly asking fundamental questions about their purpose, process and people:

– What is the value-orientated purpose? Or what is the problem to be solved?

– What are the actions to be taken to solve the problem?

– What skills are needed to do the job of solving the problem?- What management system, particularly in operations and leadership behaviour, is required?- What thinking, including mindsets and assumptions, is required by the organisation as a purpose-driven system?

We can conclude that the Lean way of thinking has one orientation: respect for customers, employees, suppliers, investors and the rest of the environment in which these players operate, with the belief that everyone can and will benefit from Lean practices. Lean is not dogmatic.It’s not a rigid, unchanging set of beliefs and methods. Instead, it progresses in the context of specific situations. There is no end point while value is created imperfectly and waste exists.

And how can Lean help organisations?

From executive coaching in strategy development, implementation and alignment to employee engagement to create a problem-solving culture, Lean thinking and practice can boost the performance of any organisation.

Adopting the Lean philosophy can profoundly transform an organisation. With a focus on efficiency, quality, continuous improvement and innovation, Lean helps companies eliminate waste, increase productivity and better satisfy customers. For companies that want to remain competitive in the long term, implementing Lean is not just an option, but a necessity.

 

Orlando Fontan

Project Management Advisor