The Programme Contract to Support AIR Centre Activities 2024–2027 provides financial support for the management, coordination and implementation of AIR Centre’s activities throughout the 2024–2027 period. This programme plays a key role in ensuring the continuity, sustainability and strategic development of the AIR Centre, while reinforcing its contribution to research, innovation and regional development.

The contract supports a broad range of activities, including the strengthening of collaboration between the AIR Centre and regional scientific institutions, academia, companies and the wider community. It also covers research, development and innovation (RDI) activities; collective actions for scientific experimentation and demonstration, and initiatives aimed at knowledge and technology transfer to the socio-economic fabric.

In addition, the programme promotes business, social and environmental innovation by supporting the dissemination of R&D ideas and results and their conversion into innovation and entrepreneurship. It enables AIR Centre’s participation in inter-regional, national and international RDI projects, fostering the active involvement of regional scientific entities. Specialized and advanced training activities; initiatives to disseminate scientific and technological knowledge to the general public; and the operational and day-to-day management of the institution are also integral components of the supported actions.

The main objectives of this programme contract are:
(1) to create the conditions necessary for the sustainability and growth of the AD Air Centre, including its scientific and technical resources and infrastructures;
(2) to foster the coordination, integration and participation of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAA), through the AD Air Centre, in RDI networks, partnerships and consortium-based research processes within the framework of international programmes and projects;
(3) to facilitate innovation processes and the transfer of knowledge and technologies to the socio-economic fabric of the RAA, promoting entrepreneurship and regional development; and
(4) to enhance the role and excellence of the RAA in scientific exploration in areas and challenges of current relevance, thereby strengthening its international visibility.