Portugal is steadily transforming into one of Europe’s most promising innovation hotspots. The newly released European Innovation Scoreboard 2025 (EIS) confirms this upward trajectory, marking another significant milestone in the country’s evolution as a forward-looking, tech-driven economy.

In the 2025 edition of the EIS, published by the European Commission, Portugal maintains its status as a Moderate Innovator but is now closing the gap toward the EU average, with a performance index of 90.7%. This represents a 3-point increase from 2024 and a striking 9-point jump since 2018. What may have once seemed like slow progress now clearly reflects a consistent and deliberate strategy. Portugal is not standing still; it is accelerating.

One of the most notable highlights comes from the Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025 (RIS), which places the Greater Lisbon area in the coveted category of Strong Innovator for the first time. Among the 241 European regions assessed, Greater Lisbon stands alone in Portugal with this classification, making it a beacon of innovation and a key player in the country's knowledge-based economic development.

These advancements are not just about data; they signal a broader transformation in how Portugal positions itself on the global innovation map. While countries across Europe face stiff competition in the digital and green transitions, Portugal is embracing these challenges with ambition. From robust investments in renewable energy and deep-tech startups to a growing talent pool in artificial intelligence and software development, the ecosystem is maturing with intention.

EIS provides a comprehensive assessment of innovation capabilities across the EU, drawing from indicators such as research and development investment, digitalization, higher education, SME innovation, and international collaboration. Portugal's progress across these indicators reflects targeted policy initiatives, public-private cooperation, and a growing culture of entrepreneurship supported by incubators, accelerators, and international partnerships.

What makes Portugal’s innovation journey particularly compelling is its inclusive and decentralized nature. While Lisbon and Porto lead the way, smaller cities and regions are also fostering vibrant innovation clusters. Public universities and research institutions have become engines of applied science, while startups and SMEs often backed by EU funding and venture capital are scaling faster than ever before.

The recognition in both the EIS and RIS confirms that Portugal is no longer just a destination for tourism and sun-soaked lifestyle, it is fast becoming a strategic base for R&D, tech development, and future-focused industries. The presence of global companies establishing operational and innovation centers in the country only reinforces this trend, as does Portugal’s strong participation in EU research frameworks and innovation networks.

With momentum clearly on its side, Portugal stands at a pivotal moment. The numbers from the 2025 Scoreboard tell a story of promise and progress. More importantly, they signal a future where Portugal could soon move beyond “moderate” and take its place among Europe’s most dynamic innovation leaders.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes