The Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (IPS), with the support of Empowered Startups, is seeking participants for PORTUCONNECT, a research project aimed at strengthening knowledge and connections between the Portuguese and Chinese entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The initiative seeks to explore the intercultural, institutional, and practical challenges faced by entrepreneurs operating between Portugal and China, while also identifying the strategies that contribute to successful market entry, business development, and long-term collaboration between the two countries.
As part of the project, the research team is inviting professionals with first-hand international business experience to participate in the study. Two groups are currently being recruited: Portuguese entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, executives, and intrapreneurs with direct experience operating in China; and Chinese entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, executives, and intrapreneurs with direct experience operating in Portugal.
Participants from all industries and sectors are encouraged to apply, provided they have practical experience in the respective market and are willing to share insights from their professional journeys.
Selected participants will be invited to take part in a focus group discussion provisionally scheduled for late September 2026. The sessions will examine a range of topics, including motivations for entering the Portuguese or Chinese market, initial business experiences, cultural and communication challenges, regulatory and institutional barriers, relationship-building and trust development, adaptation strategies, and lessons learned throughout the internationalization process.
The project will also explore recommendations for future entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand business operations between Portugal and China. Depending on participants’ availability and location, the discussions may be held online.
Participation in the research is entirely voluntary, and all information collected will be treated confidentially and used exclusively for academic purposes.
According to the organizers, the findings of the PORTUCONNECT project are expected to contribute to scientific publications and practical guidance designed to bridge intercultural gaps between Portugal and China. The outcomes aim to support entrepreneurs, policymakers, institutions, and organizations involved in internationalization efforts and cross-border collaboration.
Through this initiative, IPS and its research partners hope to generate valuable insights that will strengthen entrepreneurial ties and foster greater cooperation between the two countries in an increasingly interconnected global business environment.
