The key take away of the event was the identification of both the areas with strong potential where Portugal can contribute to the DAE and also the gaps and barriers to be overcome to ensure the best coordination of policies and actions taken at National and European Levels. The events provided very valuable feedback on the Portuguese situation regarding a variety of DAE topics. The challenge is now to follow up on the feedback received and build on the contacts made. There is a clear opportunity for a sustained dialogue where local stakeholders remain associated to the implementation of the DAE.

The organizers of the events provided a list of more than 250 contacts that will be informed regularly, through a Newsletter, of the Digital Agenda developments in view of the next General Assembly (planned for June 2012). Another concrete idea emerging from contacts with several participants is the production of additional dissemination material (topic by topic), explaining to a wider audience what is being done at European, National and Regional levels. Moreover, we expect the debate on the Forums available on our webpage to continue, namely:

- Social Challenges for the Sustainability for Europe

- Science, Technology and Innovation

- Portugal, Europe and the World

In addition, it was agreed to maintain contact with the Portuguese authorities regarding the future plans for the Digital Agenda during the 1Q of 2012. Therefore, to ensure the best coordination, meetings with the Secretary of State for Entrepreneurship, Competitiveness and Innovation, the Secretary of State for Science, and when possible with the Minister for Education and Science, are being scheduled. These contacts are needed for debriefing and the follow-up, to guarantee a strong political support to the implementation of DAE objectives and identified actions at national level.

Beyond the more substantial, longer term, policy follow-up, much more information (presentations, report, videos, pictures, etc.) will be posted on the Digital Agenda Going Local website, on DAE’s Facebook page and Blog.