Why Public Policies Fostering Knowledge Networks in Academia Matter? Insights from the Portuguese Higher Education System until 2010

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the evolution of public policies for science and for the qualification of human resources in academia in Portugal until 2010. It also analyzes how these policies became drivers in creating and sustaining national and international knowledge networks. The analysis shows that science policies have specific moments to be designed and implemented, and also an appropriate dynamic momentum associated to system-wide cumulative effects (policies are built on top of previous, fundamental, policies). Even if the effects that specific policies brought to the scientific and higher education systems cannot always be directly measured, there is ample evidence of synergies amongst different policy programs. These programs led to a consequent dynamism focused on scientific catching-up and fast development of critical masses and international collaborations and mobility. “Policy diversity” and “policy continuity” associated to growing levels of investment in science are key elements of this discussion.