This is what is happening in Portugal in the areas of space, semiconductors and advanced technology. It is not a one-off trend. It is the beginning of a strategic positioning that many are not yet following.

The decision of the British Space Forge to set up in the Azores and to evaluate the construction of a semiconductor factory in Portugal is one of these signs. We are not just talking about another foreign investment. We are talking about a company that operates at the frontier of innovation, producing materials for semiconductors in space, with a direct impact on sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy and telecommunications. The most relevant thing is not just technology. It is the fact that Portugal is part of this equation.

The Azores, in particular Santa Maria, are beginning to assert themselves as a strategic point for space operations. The combination of geographical location, operational safety and a competitive regulatory environment creates unique conditions in Europe. This allows not only the launch and monitoring of missions, but also something even more critical for companies like Space Forge, the recovery of materials from space.

At the same time, on the continent, a more industrial ambition is beginning to take shape. The possibility of installing a semiconductor production unit represents an important step in the country's evolution. For decades, Portugal has built its economy on services, tourism, and some technology. Today, it is beginning to position itself in more complex value chains, where industry and production once again play a central role.

This movement does not happen in isolation. Thales has plans to produce small satellites in Portugal, reinforcing the idea that the country can go from being a user to a producer of technology. When you couple these projects with what's already happening in data centres, energy and artificial intelligence, you realise that there's a clear pattern. Portugal is consistently entering the new digital and industrial economy.

There is a factor that helps explain this change. Europe is in a race for technological sovereignty. Semiconductors, data, energy and space are no longer just economic sectors. They are strategic assets. And in this context, countries that can offer stability, competitive energy, talent and conditions for investment naturally become more attractive. Portugal is beginning to bring these factors together.

It has a solid renewable energy base, which is critical for energy-intensive industries. It has qualified talent, increasingly recognised internationally. And it begins to have concrete projects that give investors confidence. But there is one point that cannot be ignored. The challenge now lies in execution.

The country has a history where good opportunities do not always translate into results at the same speed. Slow processes, bureaucracy and lack of coordination between entities continue to be real obstacles. And in an industry where timing is critical, that can make all the difference. Still, there is something that has changed.

Portugal is no longer off the radar. It is being considered for strategic projects, is attracting cutting-edge technology companies and is starting to integrate highly demanding global value chains. This does not happen by chance.

The question is now simple. Can we transform this attention into scale and consistency? If the answer is yes, what still seems scattered today could become one of the country's greatest economic opportunities in the coming decades.