Lisbon's Mayor Moedas: Leading the city’s rise as global innovation hub | Talk to Al Jazeera
Nov 18, 2023
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Explore Lisbon's challenges of gentrification, housing crisis, and climate change. Learn about its rise as a tech and remote working hub, and the efforts to distribute financial benefits. Discover how the city has transformed into a global innovation hub and attracted billion-euro companies. Hear about the growth of Lisbon's tech economy with increased investment in startups and the role of AI in enhancing humanity. Understand the impact of corruption on foreign investment and the town hall's efforts to combat it.
Lisbon's mayor aims to create a hub for innovation by attracting tech entrepreneurs and nurturing unicorns, leading to job creation and economic growth.
The mayor emphasizes the need to use technology to solve societal problems while ensuring it is directed towards improving people's lives, by focusing on issues like housing, healthcare, and climate change.
Deep dives
Lisbon's Vision as a City of Innovation
Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Muadas, envisions the city as the capital of innovation, creating jobs through technological advancements. He highlights the importance of innovation in creating new products and markets, ultimately leading to job creation. His ambition to attract and nurture unicorns, or billion-Euro companies, to Lisbon has proven successful, with 12 unicorns already established in just two years. Muadas believes that Lisbon can be a magnet for tech entrepreneurs who are motivated not just by profit, but also by the desire to make a positive impact on society.
The Need to Reconcile Technology with Democracy
Mayor Muadas emphasizes the importance of using technology to solve societal problems and reconcile it with democracy. He acknowledges that technology can sometimes undermine democracy, but believes that by focusing technology on issues like housing, healthcare, and climate change, it can be used for the greater good. He calls on young entrepreneurs to make Lisbon a safe harbor where technology meets humanity, ensuring that technology is directed towards improving people's lives.
Balancing the Benefits of Tech Growth with Social Welfare
The rapid growth of Lisbon's tech sector has brought significant benefits, including increased investment in startups and the creation of thousands of jobs. However, the rise in property prices and gentrification have raised concerns about affordability and displacement. Mayor Muadas acknowledges these challenges and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between attracting tech talent and addressing the needs of the city's residents. He highlights ongoing efforts, such as building affordable housing and investing in social welfare programs, to ensure that the benefits of the tech-driven economy are shared by all.
Lisbon, famed for its golden sunsets and cobbled streets, stands rich in history and resilience.
It has weathered earthquakes and political and economic turmoil, cultivating a strong spirit.
Currently, the city navigates issues like gentrification, a housing crisis and climate threats.
As Portugal’s capital evolves into a leading tech and remote-working hub, it faces the challenge of evenly distributing financial benefits among its citizens.
Amid Portugal’s political upheaval, including Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s resignation due to corruption inquiries, how might these national events influence Lisbon’s transformation?
The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, talks to Al Jazeera.
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