As I read the article about Bosch’s impressive achievements in Aveiro, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Having been born in Germany, near a Bosch fabrication site, it makes me genuinely happy to see how a German company has embraced Portuguese talent and professional expertise to create such remarkable success.

Bosch's engineering center in Aveiro has made significant strides over the past decade, and its achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration between German innovation and the exceptional skills of Portuguese professionals. Since its establishment, Bosch in Aveiro has grown both in size and influence, registering 77 patents, contributing to the company’s global technological advancements. The center's importance has continued to rise as it works on 35 ongoing projects that are set to impact various sectors, ranging from home comfort to power tools and automotive aftermarket solutions.

In just ten years, the Bosch engineering center in Aveiro has expanded dramatically. Starting with only 48 professionals in 2014, the center now employs 540 people across 32 teams, marking an eleven-fold growth in the span of a decade. This growth is not only impressive in terms of numbers but also highlights the growing importance of Aveiro as a hub for cutting-edge innovation within the Bosch group. It’s worth noting that Bosch has been present in Portugal for decades, with significant operations in Braga, Cacia, and Aveiro, all contributing heavily to the national economy.

One of the key factors behind the success of Bosch in Aveiro is its strategic location near the University of Aveiro. The university’s proximity allows for a seamless transfer of knowledge between academia and industry, fostering a strong culture of innovation. Bosch has recognized the immense value of the local talent pool, with nearly 50% of the engineers at the Aveiro center coming from the University of Aveiro, as well as other prestigious institutions like the University of Porto and the University of Coimbra.

The Bosch engineering center is not just contributing to the company’s operations in Portugal; it is playing a vital role in Bosch’s global strategy. The products developed in Aveiro, such as water systems and heat pumps, are being produced for markets across Southern Europe. The center’s research and development activities have allowed Bosch to stay competitive in key sectors and maintain its position as one of Portugal's largest exporters. With a sales revenue of €2.1 billion in 2023, Bosch continues to play a leading role in Portugal’s economy, with over 97% of its sales coming from exports to more than 50 countries around the world.

This success story is a prime example of how German companies, like Bosch, have been able to thrive in Portugal by leveraging the country's skilled workforce, particularly in the engineering sector. The collaboration between Bosch’s global standards of excellence and the local talents in Aveiro is a model of how innovation and knowledge-sharing can fuel growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace. As someone with roots in Germany, it fills me with pride to see Portuguese engineers making such a valuable contribution to a company that represents German engineering at its finest.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes