Portugal drives reindustrialization with innovation focus at EMAF and Future Summit 2025
During the recent Future Summit, part of the 20th edition of the International Fair of Machines, Equipment, and Services for Industry (EMAF), Rafael Campos Pereira, Executive Vice President of AIMMAP, underscored the events as vital catalysts for reindustrialization and innovation within Portugal's industrial landscape. This summit, which took place on 28 May 2025 at Exponor in Leça da Palmeira, was characterised by its focus on advanced technological solutions and fostering valuable connections among industry stakeholders. Pereira described these platforms as instrumental in propelling the country’s economic growth through enhanced competitiveness and collaborative innovation.
The Future Summit not only addressed the pressing need for modernisation in industry but also examined broader themes, such as the evolving geopolitical landscape and the necessity for a unified European defence strategy. Esteemed speakers, including Sérgio Sousa Pinto, joined a panel that explored opportunities for integrating modern innovations into Portugal’s defence sector. The summit concluded with a series of networking sessions and a guided tour of the EMAF exhibition, which featured cutting-edge technologies ranging from digital transformation to sustainability practices in manufacturing.
The EMAF event itself, which ran from 31 May to 3 June 2025, drew significant participation from entrepreneurs and industry leaders. This year's edition prominently featured themes such as energy optimisation, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, showcasing the increasingly critical role these technologies play in enhancing operational efficiency. Companies like ESI Robotics presented pioneering solutions, including smart factory technologies based on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). These innovations enable companies to adopt flexible, automated manufacturing processes, supported by real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance capabilities.
Further reflecting on the importance of collaboration, EIT Manufacturing and Produtech jointly hosted a forum during EMAF to discuss critical challenges and the future direction of the industry. This gathering attracted more than 50 participants and was structured around four distinct thematic panels, facilitating in-depth discussions on innovation and financing opportunities for enterprises in both national and international contexts. The involvement of local organisations such as INESC TEC and SONAE in these discussions highlighted the commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that supports growth in innovation-driven sectors.
Looking ahead, EMAF continues to serve as a significant platform for discourse around sustainable manufacturing practices. In prior years, discussions on intelligent production methods showcased best practices aimed at improving resource efficiency while minimising environmental impact. The 2023 panel on sustainable manufacturing received notable attention, indicating a growing recognition of the necessity for industries to adapt to sustainable practices in order to thrive in a competitive global market.
As Portugal navigates its path toward reindustrialization, the dialogue fostered at both the Future Summit and EMAF plays a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem that supports innovation and collaboration across sectors. Events like these not only spotlight local businesses but also strengthen international ties within the industrial community, positioning Portugal as a proactive player on the European stage.