The National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (ENEI) was approved in June 2022, succeeding the previous ENEI (2014).

ENEI is of strategic importance as the aggregator of a national strategy for smart specialisation, as a means of promoting innovation.

This strategy represents the culmination of a two-year preparatory work carried out by ANI, accompanied by stakeholders from the entire national innovation system, without exception. This construction work took the form of 43 seminars and workshops, with the participation of companies, research centres, interface centres, partner institutions, regional stakeholders, business associations, and experts, in a wide-ranging consultation process that, in the context of the pandemic, happened mainly in digital format and involved more than 2000 people.

Thus, ENEI 2030 presents a vision for Portugal where quality of life, the creative environment, and scientific and innovative capacity stand out as factors for attracting and retaining talent and for business dynamics, thus becoming the driving force behind a trajectory of growth and convergence.

At national level, it defines six priorities of horizontal nature: (i) Digital Transition, (ii) Green Transition, (iii) Materials, Production Systems and Technologies, (iv) Society, Creativity and Heritage, (v) Health, Biotechnology and Food, and (vi) Great Natural Assets, which are articulated with the specificity of the priorities of each of the NUTS II regions, seeking to maximise complementarity and synergies at the different territorial levels, amplifying the regional stakes and the multiplying effects of public policy.

ANI leads the Executive Committee of ENEI 2030, being responsible for ensuring effective coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the policy-mix defined in the strategy.