The Development of Knowledge in Portugal: A Slow and Unsustainable Progress

Abstract Development of knowledge in Portugal occurred late and slowly, mainly as a result of political and institutional factors which persisted with democracy. Amongst knowledge key areas, education, research and development (R&D) and innovation advanced with frequent setbacks. This irregular behaviour induced very negative economic and social consequences given the spillover and multiplier effects arising from those areas. Significant progress took place at the onset of the 21st century, despite the lack of a systematic knowledge strategy that would guarantee consistent articulation between key areas and stakeholders. Important imbalances have thus been taking place which severely challenge knowledge regulation process, in which public policies have played an essential role. However, despite the ratification of EU Strategy 2020, Portuguese Government has drastically been diminishing support to education and R&D over the last years, as a consequence of the austerity programme, thereby leading, with other factors, to the now visibly regression in the development of knowledge.