Matosinhos, Portugal, July 1, 2026 (Lusa) - The potential of the future and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the economy were the main topics at the start of the QSP Summit on Wednesday at Exponor, in Matosinhos, in the district of Porto.
At the welcome session for the 19th edition, following an opening event on Tuesday in Porto, the Mayor of Matosinhos, Luísa Salgueiro, noted the significance of AI and “the dominance of algorithms” in everyday discussions about the future.
“It is true that every day we are surprised by what AI brings us, and we keep seeking new solutions and new answers, but our relationships with others and empathy are irreplaceable,” the mayor remarked.
Salgueiro referred to the “unpredictable international leaders” shaping a future that can only be anticipated against a backdrop of great uncertainty, which is why an event such as this helps with preparation, bringing together “the very best at international, national and local levels” at Exponor.
The mayor, elected by the Socialist Party, also noted the opportunity to strengthen government participation at the event, “unlike what happens in Lisbon”, at a welcome session for which the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services, Pedro Machado, had been scheduled to attend.
The president of the Portuguese Business Association (AEP), Luís Miguel Ribeiro, also noted the current reality for the economy, in which “it is not enough to adapt, it is not enough to react; rather, it is necessary to anticipate and build”.
“Economic history shows us that periods of the greatest transformation are also those that offer the greatest opportunities. Every moment of uncertainty has opened up opportunities for those who had the courage to innovate. We are, once again, facing one of those moments,” he added.
The founder of QSP, Rui Ribeiro, said that the event brings together, in the same space, people who are “all trying to answer the same question: what to do when the world changes faster than our plans?”.
“A few years ago, we were talking about digital transformation. Today, we talk about AI; years ago, it was effectiveness, today it is efficiency. Today we discuss resilience, whereas a few years ago we were seeking predictability, learning to lead in a context of uncertainty,” he noted.
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