This week, Lisbon once again became the stage for Europe’s digital conversation.

Before the Web Summit officially opened its doors, I had the opportunity to attend the Ecosystem Summit, a high-level gathering that brought together political leaders, investors, and innovators from across Europe and beyond. Invited by Empowered Startups, one of the event’s sponsors, I witnessed not just another conference, but a defining moment that reflects how far Portugal has come in positioning itself as a key force for digital transformation.

The day began with a roundtable that captured the essence of the moment. The question posed was simple but powerful: What are people truly looking for in society today? My response was straightforward – wealth and simplicity. People seek well-being, opportunity, and systems that work efficiently. They want governance that is clear, accessible, and free from unnecessary bureaucracy. In an increasingly complex world, simplicity has become a form of progress.

Author: Paulo Lopes;

From there, discussions unfolded around how countries, companies, and investors can help shape a smarter future. One of the highlights of the day was the participation of Germany’s first Minister for Digitalization and Modernization, a figure who symbolizes a shift in European priorities. His speech addressed Germany’s need to accelerate digital infrastructure and embrace modern technologies. Yet what stood out most was his openness to collaboration and his acknowledgment that Europe must move faster and work together if it is to remain globally competitive.

Portugal’s Secretary of State for Digitalization also took the stage, bringing a clear message of ambition. With a strong background in technology and innovation, he outlined how Portugal is positioning itself as a leader in digital governance and AI adoption. The government has already committed one hundred million euros under the national recovery plan to support digital transformation among small and medium enterprises, with additional resources from Banco de Fomento. Portugal’s presence among the D9 group of European digital frontrunners underlines the nation’s growing influence in shaping Europe’s technological agenda.

The Ecosystem Summit was not only about speeches and strategies. It was a platform for genuine dialogue. The roundtable hosted by Empowered Startups brought together a remarkable mix of voices, including investors from North America, government representatives from the Azores and Madeira, and diplomats from Italy and Canada. Among the various themes, housing became a surprising focal point. It was discussed not as an isolated issue but as part of the broader need for modernization and smarter policymaking. Creating tax incentives for landlords and improving legal security could unlock thousands of homes for rental, easing pressure on the market and stimulating investment in construction.

Across the sessions, one truth became increasingly clear. The momentum around Portugal is real and visible. The appetite for investment in Portuguese innovation is stronger than ever. Reports such as the recent McKinsey study confirm that Portugal is now one of the most attractive European destinations for digital investment and AI-based technologies. Investors see a country that combines stability, creativity, and opportunity in a way that few others can match.

As I prepare to attend the Web Summit in the coming days, I reflect on the remarkable energy of this past week. Between the Ecosystem Summit and the beginning of Europe’s largest technology conference, it is evident that Portugal is firmly in the minds of global innovators and investors. The country is no longer on the sidelines of Europe’s digital transformation. It is helping to lead it.

Empowered Startups, the sponsors behind the Ecosystem Summit, deserve recognition for their role in strengthening Portugal’s entrepreneurial landscape. Their model, built on partnerships with universities and research institutions, invests in talent and innovation while fostering a sustainable environment for new ventures to emerge and grow. This is the kind of collaboration that defines the future.

From Lisbon to Berlin, from Brussels to Riyadh, the global conversation on technology and digitalization increasingly circles back to Portugal. Standing among those voices this week, hearing the optimism and conviction that filled every room, it became clear that Portugal’s digital renaissance is not a distant goal. IT Is happening here and NOW