C. L. Magee
Engineering Systems Division and Mechanical Engineering Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
E-mail: cmagee@MIT.EDU

J. Decker Ringo
Technology and Policy Program, Engineering Systems Division
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Antonio M. Cunha
School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurem, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal

Abstract:
This paper describes the focus area of the MIT-Portugal Programme that deals with Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing 􏰊EDAM). The EDAM initiative consists of two new post tertiary degree programmes plus affiliated research and industrial liaisons. The paper also discusses the Portuguese innovation and education trajectory and the challenges felt by Portugal as the world becomes more networked 􏰊or flat). Some quantitative statistical studies of Portuguese innovation and education metrics are examined to explore the needs for new initiatives such as the MIT- Portugal Programme.