By the Managing Director – Technology Lead at Accenture Portugal, Paula Francisca Fernandes
The growth of Global Business Services (GBS) and Tech Hubs in Portugal is not limited to the country’s capital. While Lisbon has consolidated itself as one of the main destinations for international companies, other Portuguese cities, such as Porto, Braga and Coimbra, have been standing out as attractive alternatives, offering competitive advantages in specific areas. Each of these cities has distinct characteristics that can be decisive in the choice of a location for companies looking to expand or start operations in Portugal.
Lisbon: An International and Dynamic Hub
Lisbon remains the preferred choice for many multinationals looking to set up their centres in Portugal. Portugal’s capital is recognized for its global connectivity, international events of great relevance such as the Web Summit, and a highly attractive quality of life for expatriates.
Main advantages of choosing Lisbon for GBS and Tech Hubs:
1. Direct access to international markets;
2. Advanced technological infrastructure;
3. Diversified offer of talents, from recent graduates to senior professionals;
4. Government support and tax incentives for new companies and expatriates.
However, the rapid growth of Lisbon has brought some challenges, such as rising rental costs and increased pressure on infrastructure. This has led companies to consider other cities in Portugal that offer advantages in terms of costs and quality of life.
Porto: Competitiveness and Operational Efficiency
Porto, the second largest city in the country, has established itself as an increasingly attractive alternative for companies looking to expand their operations in Portugal. Porto offers a combination of quality infrastructure, a more affordable cost of living than Lisbon, and a dynamic business environment with a strong focus on innovation and technological advances.
Main advantages of choosing Porto for GBS and Tech Hubs:
1. Cost of living and more competitive wages - Companies can maintain efficient operations with lower wage and infrastructure costs than in Lisbon.
2. Innovation culture - Porto is home to several startups and incubators that support the development of new technologies, which favors collaborative innovation.
3. Proximity to industrial centers - The North of Portugal is an important industrial center, which facilitates synergies between the technological sector and the manufacturing industry.
In addition, Porto has an excellent quality of life, with a good balance between an urban environment and nature, being a popular choice for expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle compared to Lisbon.
Braga: The City of Youth and Innovation
Braga is a smaller city, but with a very interesting growth profile. Known for its youth - it is one of the youngest cities in Europe - and for its tradition in technological innovation, Braga has been attracting more and more technology companies and GBS centers.
Main advantages of choosing Braga for GBS and Tech Hubs:
1. Extremely affordable cost of living: For companies looking to reduce operating costs, Braga offers significantly lower prices than Lisbon and Porto, both for office rental and salaries.
2. Expanding technological ecosystem: The city has a strong connection with the University of Minho, one of the main training centers in technological and engineering areas, which guarantees a constant flow of qualified talent.
3. Proximity to Spain and Porto: Its strategic location in the north of Portugal, close to the Spanish border, offers logistical advantages for companies operating in both countries.
Braga is ideal for companies that value a more relaxed environment and lower operating costs, but still want to have access to **young and innovative talent.
Coimbra: Knowledge and Research Center
Coimbra, traditionally known as the "city of students", is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra, which makes it a center of knowledge, innovation and research.
Main advantages of choosing Coimbra for GBS and Tech Hubs:
1. Academic excellence: The University of Coimbra annually trains thousands of highly qualified students in areas such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology and health sciences, providing a constant flow of talent.
2. Affordable cost of living: Like Braga, Coimbra offers a high quality of life at significantly lower costs than Lisbon and Porto, which is an advantage for companies looking to maximize the efficiency of their operating costs.
3. Focus on research: The city stands out as a center of technological innovation, with several biotechnology companies and research centers in the areas of exact sciences and health.
Coimbra is an excellent choice for companies that value proximity to top educational and research institutions and that intend to take advantage of the continuous flow of highly qualified talent.
Conclusion:
Choose the Right Location for Your Needs when selecting the ideal city for your GBS and Tech Hubs in Portugal
Portugal offers a diverse range of attractive locations for GBS and Tech Hubs for companies, each with unique features that can serve different business strategies. Lisbon, with its global dynamism, is the ideal choice for companies looking for international scale and visibility. Porto, Braga and Coimbra, on the other hand, offer competitive solutions in terms of costs, innovation and quality of life, serving as excellent alternatives for companies seeking to maximize efficiency and find niches of specialized talent.
When we support companies in choosing the location, I always recommend a careful analysis of each company’s needs to ensure that the choice of location meets its strategic objectives, making the most of the advantages that each Portuguese city has to offer.
Author: Paula Francisca Fernandes, Managing Director – Technology Lead at Accenture Portugal
About Paula Francisca Fernandes: Portuguese woman among winners of Microsoft Power Women Awards
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