The financing of Portuguese universities must be independent of political cycles, which are increasingly unstable, and their development must involve partnerships with public and private entities, the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation defended today.
“Universities, in addition to autonomy, need stability and predictability in their resources”, said Fernando Alexandre, in Funchal, at the University of Madeira Day ceremony.
According to the official, the resources of the various higher education institutions “cannot be associated with legislative contracts”, such as those signed between the government and public institutions by the executives led by António Costa, nor “linked to the political cycle”.
The minister defended that universities also “have to diversify their sources of financing”, also investing in “partnerships with other public and private entities”.
The proposal is in line with the solution that had been suggested in the previous mandate, when the ministry then led by Elvira Fortunato defended that regional funds managed by autonomous regions or by Regional Coordination and Development Commissions, but also funds from local authorities and even institutions private institutions, should start paying for the operation of higher education institutions.
Fernando Alexandre highlighted that this policy is essential, especially for an institution like the University of Madeira.
“In research, partnerships, participation in networks, are essential to gain critical mass and be able to participate in projects with greater impact”, he argued.
It also highlighted the role of universities