The project will create four laboratories in the Covilhã region, enabling students to conduct research and development projects, build intellectual capital, and develop professional skills. The four facilities will provide equipment for developing skills in cloud computing, health technology, career development, and software testing and validation.
The skills gap has become a global concern. A survey of 1,300 managers in 68 countries revealed that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) are worried they will be unable to find qualified personnel to fill new positions. There is a particular shortage in technical professions. In the UK (a leading research country), the number of new technical professionals has fallen to 40,000 per year. With the rise of the digital economy, which already accounts for 21 percent of GDP in leading economies, this shortage could lead to a significant economic crisis.
PT has worked closely with UIBI in recent years to provide support for training, innovation and development (R&D), and entrepreneurship. The relationship has taken on a new dimension since the launch of the PT's data center in Covilhã in September of last year - a state-of-the-art facility and one of the largest, most efficient and environmentally friendly data centers in the world.
In addition to cloud computing, healthcare technology, professional certification, and software testing labs, PT and UIB are looking to expand into other areas in the near future, integrating even more skills. The new center will be able to respond to the evolving demands of emerging markets within cloud technology and services.
The CEO of Portugal Telecom's cloud computing unit, Miguel Moreira, commented: "The partnership agreement reinforces both the strong relationship between PT and UIB, and strengthens the connection between the scientific and business worlds."
"Investing in the training and education of the workforce of the future and the creation of intellectual capital is a very important responsibility for the technology sector, especially in the changing world of cloud computing. The partnership will also help contribute to the region's economic development by attracting new businesses and thus creating new jobs.".
