IPBeja Hosted the 2nd HEROES Alliance Meeting with Strong Engagement from Regional Stakeholders

On April 29, 2026, the Polytechnic Institute of Beja (IPBeja) hosted the 2nd HEROES Alliance – Local Stakeholders Network Meeting, within the framework of the European initiative dedicated to Research and Territorial Resilience, held at Ovibeja – ExpoBeja. 

Ovibeja is one of the largest agricultural and livestock fairs in Portugal, organized annually by ACOS – Associação de Agricultores do Sul, in Beja. The event celebrates the rural world of the Alentejo region and includes exhibitions of agricultural machinery, livestock, gastronomy, handicrafts, and Cante Alentejano, serving as a meeting point for business and cultural activities. The 2026 edition was also attended by the President of the Portuguese Republic, the Prime Minister, and several members of the Portuguese Government, underscoring the national significance of the event. 

The meeting brought together institutional partners, regional organizations, and representatives of the academic community, creating a highly participatory and engaging moment for all stakeholders involved. Throughout the session, several initiatives with a direct impact on the region were presented, particularly in the areas of education, innovation, and local value creation, alongside a broad discussion on the challenges and opportunities of territorial development.  

The initiative stood out for its strong dynamic of experience sharing and the creation of synergies among different regional actors, reinforcing the role of higher education institutions as drivers of regional development and social innovation. 

 The debate was moderated by Professor Luís Carvalho and Professor Sara Albino and included several regional stakeholders, namely Eng. Catarina Cerol (Senior University of Beja), Dr. João Coelho (NERBE/AEBAL), Dr. João Martins (EDIA), Dr. Liliana Cabecinha (Municipality of Beja), and Dr. Maria Teresa de Almeida e Sousa (Cáritas Diocesana de Beja). 

Representing IPBeja were Professor José Caeiro, Professor Luís Santa Maria, and Professor Vânia Loureiro, who contributed with presentations of ongoing projects and research lines developed within the scope of the HEROES Alliance. 

The session was highly appreciated by participants, highlighting the interest and engagement of the various stakeholders in the topics under discussion, as well as the importance of collaborative initiatives for strengthening the territory. 

IPBeja emphasizes the importance of this type of meeting as a privileged space for dialogue, cooperation, and the joint construction of solutions to regional challenges, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to applied research, innovation, and the sustainable development of the territory. 

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