Building on the foundations laid during previous exchanges between INESC Brasil and the Faculty of Geo‑Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), the partnership took another important step forward during a recent visit by Flavia Carvalho de Souza, Project Officer at ITC. Her trip further deepened the dialogue around scientific cooperation, formalized commitments, and opened new avenues for joint innovation.
Meeting with INESC: From Shared Vision to Concrete Plans
During her visit, Flavia met with Mauro Rosa, Science & Technology Director at INESC Brasil, to discuss the next phase of collaboration between the two institutions. Their conversation focused on:
- Finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to formalizing the partnership, recognizing the MoU as a strategic instrument to support long‑term cooperation.
- Identifying joint project opportunities: The discussion highlighted several thematic areas where ITC’s expertise in geo‑information science aligns with INESC’s interdisciplinary work in energy systems, digital transformation, and socio‑environmental challenges.
- Strengthening academic and innovation exchanges: The partners explored possibilities for staff mobility, joint research proposals, and collaborative engagement with public and private stakeholders in Brazil.
This meeting reinforced the shared ambition to build a robust scientific bridge between the Netherlands and Brazil—one capable of generating impactful research and supporting sustainable development initiatives.
Exploring Sapiens Parque: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
In addition to her meetings at INESC, Flavia visited Sapiens Parque (https://www.sapiensparque.sc.gov.br/), an innovation district located in Florianópolis. The park brings together companies, research institutes, and public‑sector actors in a dynamic environment designed to foster technological development and entrepreneurship.
Her visit provided valuable insights into:
- The innovation ecosystem of Santa Catarina, one of Brazil’s most vibrant technology regions.
- Opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in areas related to smart cities, environmental monitoring, and digital transformation.
- Potential synergies between ITC, INESC, and local institutions, leveraging Sapiens Parque as a platform for applied research and pilot projects.
With more than 120 companies and extensive preserved green areas integrated into its design, Sapiens Parque exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can coexist—an approach that resonates strongly with ITC’s mission.
Looking Ahead
Flavia’s visit marks a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between ITC and INESC. The ongoing discussions, the forthcoming MoU, and the exploration of Brazil’s innovation landscape all point toward a partnership with strong potential for scientific, educational, and societal impact.
As both institutions continue to align their strategic priorities, new collaborative projects are expected to emerge—bridging continents and disciplines in pursuit of shared goals.
