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About

About

Fernando Luís Almeida holds a PhD in Engineering and Computer Science from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). In addition, he holds a master's degree in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship and a degree in Computer Engineering and Computing from FEUP. In the last 10 years he has worked in the field of education at a higher polytechnic institution, performing research and teaching activities in the domain of computer systems engineering. Throughout his professional career he worked in institutions of reference such as Critical Software, Qimonda, FEUP, ISR Porto and iNESC TEC. He has also worked on several international projects in partnership with European reference organizations in the telecommunications, industry and scientific research sectors. Current research areas include innovation policies, enterprise / university knowledge transfer, university spinoffs, software engineering, and decision support systems.

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Details

Details

  • Name

    Fernando Luís Almeida
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    01st March 2003
002
Publications

2024

D4SP – decision support system based on the use of the AHP method for science park selection

Authors
Moura, B; Santos, I; Barros, N; Almeida, FL;

Publication
International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences

Abstract
The literature reveals that science parks offer numerous benefits and support services to the activity of a technological startup. However, the decision of choosing the best science park for the startup tends to be an informal process, technically not very rigorous and planning, arising essentially by affinities with the research centre and university. In this study, a decision support system is presented to support entrepreneurs in the process of selecting a science park for the implementation of their startup. The AHP method is used to compare the importance of the criteria for selecting a science park, which includes factors such as location, activity sector, infrastructure, cost, and size. The findings reveal that the use of this decision support system helps entrepreneurs to find a science park that is suitable for the needs of their startup and allows them to comparatively identify the most relevant criteria when choosing a science park. © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. All rights reserved.

2024

Non-formal education as a response to social problems in developing countries

Authors
Almeida, F; Morais, J;

Publication
E-Learning and Digital Media

Abstract
Non-formal education seeks to address the limitations of formal education that do not reach all communities and do not provide all new competencies and capabilities that are essential for the integrated development of communities. The role of non-formal education becomes even more relevant in the context of developing countries where significant asymmetries in access to education emerge. This study adopts the Solutions Story Tracker provided by the Solutions Journalism Network to identify and explore solutions based on journalism stories in the non-formal education field. A total of 256 stories are identified and categorized into 14 dimensions. The findings reveal that practical, participatory, and volunteering dimensions are the three most common dimensions in these non-formal education initiatives. Furthermore, two emerging dimensions related to empowerment and sustainability are identified, allowing us to extend the theoretical knowledge in the non-formal education field. These conclusions are relevant for establishing public policies that can involve greater participation by local communities in non-formal education and for addressing sustainability challenges through bottom-up initiatives. © The Author(s) 2024.

2024

Causes of Failure of Open Innovation Practices in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
Administrative Sciences

Abstract
The adoption of open innovation poses significant challenges that are important to explore. Studies in this field have mainly focused on exploring the causes of the failure of open innovation among large companies. This study addresses this research gap by employing a sample of 297 Portuguese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore, through a quantitative study, whether the dimensions and causes of failure differ between large organizations and SMEs. A total of seven dimensions of causes of failure are considered, including strategy-related, organizational structure, organizational culture, knowledge and intellectual property management, management skill and action, resources, and interfirm collaboration. The findings reveal significant differences in four of these seven dimensions: the main causes of failure are related to the resources and management processes of open innovation in SMEs, while large companies face more challenges in the organizational structure and culture components. This study offers theoretical insights into the gaps in the literature to better understand the challenges facing open innovation. Furthermore, this study offers practical guidelines for SMEs to identify and mitigate these main obstacles, promoting better innovation management practices.

2023

Strategies for Developing Soft Skills Among Higher Engineering Courses

Authors
Almeida, F; Morais, J;

Publication
JOURNAL OF EDUCATION-US

Abstract
This study aims to explore how higher education institutions respond to the challenge of incorporating soft skills into their curricula. It employs a mixed-methods approach in which the quantitative analysis of the disciplines addressing this issue is complemented by a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with four higher education institutions in Portugal. The findings indicate that although the number of subjects specifically addressing soft skills is small, there is a growing concern to incorporate soft skills in pedagogical and evaluation methodologies in each course. Several challenges, good practices, and future perspectives are also explored in this work.

2023

Talent management practices in startups and their effects in innovation, intrapreneurship, and internationalisation

Authors
Almeida, F; Oliveira, JM;

Publication
International Journal of Business Innovation and Research

Abstract
This study explores the role of talent in the processes of innovation, intrapreneurship, and internationalisation of startups. For this purpose, an empirical study was conducted with 226 Portuguese startups, and the impact of these components was analysed using the structural equation model. The findings indicate that talent attraction, development, and retention practices have a positive impact on innovation. However, the same correlation was not verified for intrapreneurship practices. Furthermore, both innovation and intrapreneurship are two determining elements in startups’ internationalisation activities. This study offers pertinent contributions to the establishment of policies to support the internationalisation processes of startups, in which talent management emerges as a determining factor for its sustainable growth. Copyright © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.