On June 30 and July 1, OVIA took part in the inaugural sessions of the European Association of Business Innovation Districts (EABID), a groundbreaking initiative that brings together major innovation districts across Europe. The goal of this initiative is to establish a collaborative network aimed at enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and technological sovereignty in Europe.
This kick-off meeting, held in Dublin, marks the formal establishment of EABID, bringing together representatives from various European regions and cities dedicated to fostering innovation ecosystems. OVIA’s online participation, representing Oeiras, positions the municipality among the founding territories of this future European association, allowing it to play an active role in shaping its design, objectives, and operational structure.
During the event, key themes were discussed, including the vision and strategic objectives of EABID, the governance model of the association, common challenges faced by European innovation districts, and priority topics such as sustainable mobility, digitization, circular economy, financing, and collaboration between technology companies and knowledge centers.
OVIA’s involvement in this international forum reflects its strategy for global engagement and collaboration with innovation networks. This follows missions to Macau (March 2024 and June 2025), Brazil (March 2025), Ireland (April 2025), and various other internationalization efforts in recent years. Oeiras is positioning itself as a technologically and scientifically advanced territory, establishing its presence as an innovation hub capable of influencing and learning from international counterparts.
By the end of 2025, EABID aims to solidify its operational framework with a core of 10 to 20 founding members, including OVIA, and officially launch the association under the rotating Irish presidency of the European Union. This process will culminate in a European summit for innovation districts scheduled for 2026.
For OVIA, joining this initiative not only enhances access to knowledge networks, best practices, and European funding but also promotes Oeiras as a model of innovative urbanism and sustainable economic development, aligning with major European challenges such as competitiveness, green transition, and digital transformation.
