On 21st November, the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP) took a significant step in its pedagogical innovation strategy with the inauguration of the Creative Space, a multifunctional technological space integrated into the FEP Innovation Hub. The event was attended by various distinguished figures and marked the beginning of a series of events focused on artificial intelligence, in collaboration with Microsoft.
The Creative Space is designed to support practical and interactive learning. Equipped with cutting-edge tools such as 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, a robotic arm, and video and audio recording studios, the new space aims to promote innovation and stimulate students’ creativity. According to Nuno Moutinho, FEP’s Pedagogical Innovation Manager, the goal is to provide students with the ideal conditions to develop skills in emerging technologies and areas of innovation, such as artificial intelligence. “The Creative Space allows students to apply the knowledge they acquire in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration,” said Nuno Moutinho.
During the presentation of the Creative Space, Óscar Afonso, FEP’s Dean, highlighted that this is another step towards preparing students for a global and technological world, “which requires innovative and adaptable professionals, capable of integrating creativity and strategic thinking to solve complex organisational problems.” The learning by doing concept enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical and creative contexts, providing them with a more dynamic learning experience that aligns with the demands of today’s job market.
The inauguration of the space was preceded by the AI Summit for Higher Education, an event that brought together experts and leaders from the education sector to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education. During the afternoon, Manuel Dias, National Technology Director at Microsoft Portugal, presented his vision on the role of AI in transforming education, covering areas from personalised learning to the automation of administrative processes. The event also included a roundtable discussion moderated by Ana Rita Serra, Education Lead at Microsoft Portugal, with contributions from Óscar Afonso, FEP’s Dean, Eugénio Campos Ferreira, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Minho, and João Pinto, Director of Católica Porto Business School.
In addition to the events focused on artificial intelligence, the Creative Space will also offer courses, workshops, and other training initiatives, both for FEP students and employees of local businesses, contributing to the development of essential digital skills for the future.
This initiative is part of FEP’s commitment to preparing its students for a global and technological job market, where innovation and adaptation to new realities are key. The focus on environments like the Creative Space reflects the faculty’s teaching philosophy, which centres on the “learning by doing” concept and the development of practical skills that lead to innovative solutions for future challenges.
Thus, FEP continues to strengthen its position as a centre of excellence in higher education, integrating cutting-edge technologies to prepare its students for a future increasingly shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
