Research and Innovation background
- Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050 (RNC2050):Long-term national decarbonisation strategy with elements of transport innovation that emphasises transport electrification and alternative fuels as core elements of the net-zero transition.
- Green Mobility Package: Policy package that introduces a set of measures to promote cleaner, more efficient transport systems by incentivising zero-emission vehicles, sustainable freight logistics, and public transport upgrades. It aims to reduce emissions, enhance urban mobility, and accelerate Portugal’s transition towards a low-carbon transport model.
- National Strategy for Active Pedestrian Mobility 2030: National strategy promoting active travel research and sustainable transport systems.
- National Railway Plan (Plano Nacional Ferroviário): Approved in 2025, this plan sets the long term strategic framework for the development and innovation of the national rail network, including priorities for capacity, connectivity and key investment needs.
National Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Aviation (RONDA): Government approved strategic document setting the national framework to accelerate the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, including priority actions for sustainable aviation fuels and the green transition of aviation activities.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT):National public authority responsible for regulating, supervising and coordinating the land transport and mobility system in Portugal. IMT’s main responsibilities include the regulation and licensing of transport operators and vehicles, road safety, professional certification in the transport sector, and the supervision of compliance with national and EU transport legislation. IMT also supports the definition and implementation of national mobility and transport policies, contributing to the modernisation, sustainability and efficiency of the transport system, in close articulation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing and other relevant public authorities.
- Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP): National authority that oversees major rail and road infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing and the Ministry of Finance, IP is responsible for the design, construction and operation of the national road and rail networks, as well as traffic management on the railways. IP has defined the ‘50 Challenges of Research, Development and Innovation’ programme, through which it aims to find solutions for the R&I needs of the organisation through collaboration with the scientific, technological and business communities.
- Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): Operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, the FCT is a National Agency that supports research in all areas of science, technology, and innovation.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- Portugal 2030: Portugal’s overarching national framework for the implementation of EU Cohesion Policy funds for the 2021–2027 period, implemented through a set of 12 programmes. It sets the strategic objectives, priorities and funding architecture across thematic and regional programmes, including theme-based programmes such as COMPETE 2030 and regionally-based programmes such as Algarve 2030.
- National Innovation Agency (ANI): An agency that promotes the adoption of innovation by companies, ANI manages and monitors various national and international competitions and incentives, providing access to funding, mentoring and networking. These competitions are aimed at companies, research centres, academia and other organisations involved in R&I activities.
- MIT Portugal Programme (MPP): This strategic partnership between Portuguese institutions, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MTT), and various stakeholders supports research transport systems alongside other critical areas. The programme aims to foster innovation and competitiveness through collaborative research initiatives.
- Fundo Ambiental (National Environmental Fund): National public funding instrument supporting environmental and climate policies in Portugal, including measures related to decarbonisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, circular economy and nature and biodiversity. The Fundo Ambiental operates through national calls and support schemes, targeting public entities, companies and citizens depending on each measure, and is a key channel for implementing national priorities and deploying public funding for environmental action at national level.
- PRR – Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (Recovery and Resilience Plan): National programme financed under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), designed to support reforms and investments that strengthen Portugal’s resilience and accelerate the green and digital transitions. The PRR provides public funding through targeted components and measures, supporting areas such as industrial decarbonisation, energy transition, sustainable mobility, digitalisation, skills and innovation. Unlike Horizon Europe, which funds competitive R&I projects at European level, the PRR is primarily a national instrument focused on implementation, deployment and capacity building, with defined milestones and targets, a fixed implementation period, and strict monitoring of deliverables and outcomes.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)