For decades, Portugal and Brazil maintained a relationship marked by both historical and cultural ties. Today, however, this affinity has evolved into something much more relevant: an economic and scientific partnership capable of transforming education, health and technology into engines of global growth and innovation. The Atlantic thus stops being a barrier and becomes a bridge of knowledge) And cultural affinity is now transformed into strategic synergy.
In a world where innovation depends on collaborative ecosystems, the Portuguese-Brazilian relationship takes on new contours. Portugal seeks to cement its position as hub European level of science, education and technology, while Brazil asserts itself as an emerging power in biomedical research and a large-scale Latin market. This complementarity creates the opportunity to build an axis of innovation and internationalization of companies, higher education, the sharing of scientific knowledge and the exchange of highly qualified professionals.
According to the Brazilian Franchising Association, in 2024, Portugal was only ahead of the United States in terms of ranking of preferred destinations for Brazilian companies for internationalization. The close relationship that exists between the two countries creates a virtuous effect through the continuous circulation of knowledge, in which each educational context contributes to enriching the other with different approaches and perspectives. This flow of skills reinforces the modernization of practices, the adoption of emerging technologies and reinforces the Portuguese-Brazilian talent network. Therefore, it is urgent to see internationalization as a shared growth strategy.
The first step towards internationalization is a well-executed market study, an essential basis for success. Additionally, commercial vision is key to achieving this objective. In 2023, the two countries, through Apex (Brazilian Export Promotion Agency) and AICEP (Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal), signed an economic cooperation agreement in the markets of CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries) countries, promoting the internationalization and boosting of bilateral trade and investment flows. By aligning priorities, Portugal and Brazil have the capacity to create a true corridor for internationalization, research and innovation in a single ecosystem. In the health sector, this model redefines the way we learn and practice, strengthening skills and exponentially expanding professional horizons.
The transatlantic bridge begins in institutions that no longer only train students, but also innovators. With the crossing of curricula and specialized courses, Portugal and Brazil can (and should), more than export, build knowledge. The search for Portuguese professionals for advanced training in Brazilian institutions, driven by linguistic proximity, scientific reputation and specialized training offerings, shows how this bridge is already in good working order.
According to the most recent data, made available by the Order of Dentists, Portugal has a ratio of one dentist per 814 inhabitants. This data places Portugal in a very favorable position, since the World Health Organization recommends one dentist per 1500-2000 inhabitants. Thus, this internationalization gains even more strength, due to the opportunity to strengthen the training of highly qualified professionals, promote the circulation of scientific and technological knowledge, creating a collaborative ecosystem that simultaneously benefits Portugal and Brazil.
Education, technology and health now speak a new common language: that of innovation. Portugal and Brazil are, today, in a unique position to shape this global axis, as protagonists of internationalization and complementarity between the two markets. The transatlantic bridge already exists. The next step is to expand it so that it becomes the engine of transformation for the coming decades.
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