This Journey took place in the Aula Magna of the University of Extremadura in Badajoz, Spain integrated in project activities of RITECA and it was organized by the partners of Junta of Extremadura.

The RITECA project aims to establish a general framework of collaboration between Portuguese institutions in the regions of Centro and Alentejo and Extremadura within the framework of Research, Technological Development and Innovation to facilitate and accelerate the proximity of these regions to achieve the Lisbon and European Union objectives.

The day's program included the opening by the Mrs Maria Dolores Aguilar Seco, Second Vice-President and Councilor of Economy, Trade and Innovation Board of Extremadura which gave the framework of the importance of the journey for both countries involved in particular for greater rapprochement and cooperation between both.

Em seguida ocorreu uma intervenção pelo Dr. Carlos Martínez Alonso, ex- Secretario de Estado de Investigação de Espanha que deu grande enfoque na sua apresentação nas preocupações com o presente e futuro ao nível económico, energético, ambiental e de sustentabilidade do nosso planeta. Tendo mostrado as dificuldades que se apresentam aos governos neste período de crise no estabelecimento de estratégias face à turbulência e incerteza.

Afterwards a speech was held by Dr. Carlos Martínez Alonso, former Secretary of State for Research of Spain that put strong focus in his presentation on the concerns with the present and future in economics, energy, environmental issues and sustainability of our planet. Major concerns where also presented regarding the difficulties that the governments have to face in this period of crisis in the establishment of strategies in the face of turbulence and uncertainty.

Two Portuguese presentations were carried out on this journey, having been presented by Professor Manuel Laranja on behalf of the Ministry of Economy and Environment, which put strong focus on Portuguese concern for environmental issues including the reduction of carbon levels. The national strategies on several domains where also presented, for example in providing the users units to supply power for electric vehicles, which will also serve as an incentive to the purchase of electric vehicles.

From the Portuguese presentations it was also part a communication made by RECET (Association of Technological Centers of Portugal) held by Eng.. Victor Francisco (in place of Dr Gonçalo Xavier) who introduced the various technology centers in Portugal including its operating model, demonstrating the networked collaborative work between these centers, the industries they represent and the scientific and technological system.

Emphasis was given by both speakers to the importance of establishing close links between these entities in the scientific and technological system in Portugal and industrial companies, centers and universities in Spain as a means of complementing expertise by participating in joint projects aimed at increasing the competitiveness of both countries.

The work session ended with the presentation of the Research Network of Extremadura, Centro y Alentejo (RITECA) held by Dr. Manuel Martín Bellido, RITECA Project Coordinator.