In a scenario of disruption, intensified by the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), in which it is estimated that 80% of current business models could disappear in the next decade, the Portugal Digital Summit 2025 was the stage for two days of debate on innovation, talent and trust.
These three pillars of change driven by AI are, from the perspective of most of the speakers who passed through the various stages of the event, the basis of the transformation that is currently transversal to all areas of organizations, and which will require the requalification of at least one million people in the next decade.
The digitalization of public services was highlighted as an inclusion tool in Portugal where, according to data from .PT, the entity that manages national internet domains, 85% of users interact autonomously with digital platforms. However, capacity building remains a challenge. The future of education was debated on the first day of the event, with voices such as Pedro Santa Clara and Arlindo Oliveira defending new pedagogical models centered on critical thinking and continuous learning.
Portugal as ‘hub‘ technological
Digital mobility and technological infrastructure, under debate on the second day, were highlighted as potential vectors for territorial development. The expansion of data centers was one of the examples highlighted as opportunities to position the country as a hub technological, capable of attracting international investment, and retaining national talent.
Cybersecurity and digital trust have dominated debates about regulation and compliance. The publication of the European NIS2 directive coincided with the event, reinforcing the urgency of an ethical and safe approach to innovation. Regulation, experts argue, should not halt progress, but rather ensure that it takes place responsibly.
The future of money and digital commerce was also in focus, with the e-commerce to consolidate itself as a commercial standard. Digital sustainability ended the work with a warning: there is no technological transformation without ecological transformation. Artificial intelligence can be an ally in optimizing resources, but it requires energetic and behavioral awareness.
Below are the main conclusions from the second day:
- In the panel on the future of money, Miguel Quintas highlighted the role of fintech in transforming the financial system, and warned that “technology is already arriving, the next step now depends on the legal framework”. The founder of Parcela Já stressed that Europe needs to keep up with the regulatory pace of the United States “so as not to lose competitiveness”, and that stablecoins (cryptocurrencies created to maintain a stable price) can profoundly change the traditional banking structure.
- The strategic role of the State in regulating innovation is essential, but, as João Freire de Andrade stated, “it must demonstrate whether or not it has an interest in encouraging innovation”. The founder of Portugal Fintech also argued that “Portugal has unique conditions to assert itself as hub fintechbut it is essential to guarantee space and support for startups in their first years”.
- Innovation in traditional banking requires “a culture of intellectual curiosity, a sense of autonomy, to be able to take risks and experiment”, stated Maria José Campos. The Millennium BCP administrator argued that resistance to change and fear of replacement are barriers that require strong change management.
- Regulation, although necessary, can hinder innovation. “Excessive regulation is a brake,” said Susana Ferreira, administrator of Santander Portugal. Still, in the near future, “digital transformation and AI will be ‘bread and butter‘ on the bench”, believes Maria José Campos
- Continuous training in digital tools and artificial intelligence are essential to increase the efficiency of communication agencies. “The impact of using these tools well is that we have time to do the creative part,” said Sara Proença, CEO of The Square.
- In the hospitality sector, despite the physical nature of the tourist experience, digitalization is essential to the operation. “The main experience of our activity is not digital, but there is a great need for support from digital solutions”, explained Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida, administrator of the Vila Galé Group, referring to the growing use of AI for service, data analysis and personalization.
- “Investing in technology is not an issue exclusively for large companies”, said João Epifânio, from Best Consulting, who points to the democratization of digital solutions as a driver of competitiveness. “AI is an accessible and strategic tool for SMEs.”
- Compliance should not be seen as an obstacle, but as a driver of innovation, argued professor Bruno Horta Soares, and Joana da Mota Agostinho added that regulation is a competitive advantage, highlighting that clear rules allow companies to gain reputation and stability, and that compliance should be seen as a platform for growth, not as a cost.
- José Casinhas, from .PT, highlighted the importance of integrating security and compliance from the beginning of projects. “Innovation must be seen as a virtuous triangle between technology, business and compliance.”
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