Study Reveals the Economic and Strategic Impact of CoLABs in Portugal
The CoLABOR was included in the universe of Collaborative Laboratories (CoLABs) covered by the “Study on the Socioeconomic Impact of Collaborative Laboratories in Portugal,” which was developed by Porto Business School in partnership with the Collaborative Laboratories Forum.
Led by the Innovation eXploration Hub, under the coordination of Filipe Grilo, the report highlights the consolidation of CoLABs as interfaces between science and practical application, with a growing capacity to generate innovation, economic value, and social impact. Their role is particularly relevant in contexts marked by market failures, insufficient installed technological capacity, or high levels of technical uncertainty, contributing to the creation of new scientific and economic competencies in Portugal.
Between 2021 and 2025, the 21 CoLABs analyzed saw a roughly 70% increase in staff and more than doubled their revenue. The study also highlights their improved ability to secure competitive national and international funding, reflecting the growing maturity and sustainability of these organizations.
In 2025, the CoLABs generated an estimated economic impact of 74.7 million euros in Gross Value Added (GVA), supported 2,178 jobs, and contributed 26.5 million euros in tax revenue. Between 2021 and 2025, for every euro of public funding received, 2.27 euros of GVA were generated.
The results underscore the role of collaborative laboratories as a strategic infrastructure for innovation and as a bridge between scientific knowledge, the business community, and society.
According to André Matos, spokesperson for FCoLAB, and based on the study’s findings, CoLABs have evolved from a pilot project to become a critical infrastructure for Portugal’s knowledge economy, promoting investment, skilled employment, business innovation, and competitiveness.
The national network currently comprises 41 CoLABs and 472 member organizations, spanning strategic sectors such as health, energy, agri-food, digital technology, climate, oceans, sustainability, and social services.
CoLABOR has been a member of this network since its inception in 2018 and continues to hold the Collaborative Laboratory designation awarded by the Foundation for Science and Technology.