On March 10 and 12, 2025, the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo organized two online Rural Consultation sessions as part of the Engine project, gathering a total of 23 participants — including entrepreneurs, representatives of associations, public entities, educational institutions, and citizens with extensive knowledge of the territory.
The main goal was to create a space for dialogue and collaboration between various local stakeholders, aiming to identify and discuss the resources, potentials, and innovative initiatives that support rural development in the Alto Minho region. In addition, the meetings also provided an opportunity to identify new inspiring initiatives and discuss essential skills for rural entrepreneurship. In this way, the project aims not only to map existing opportunities but also to equip higher education students with transversal entrepreneurial skills while enabling them to apply these competencies within the regional context by introducing them to the resources and opportunities available in Alto Minho, as well as showcasing successful initiatives that can serve as inspiration.
The diversity of profiles and the strong connection of the participants to the territory made the meetings particularly enriching, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between academia, institutions, and local actors for the sustainable development of the region.
