Article authored by the CEO of KCS iT, originally published in Computerworld.

Consulting firms operating here should guide their action by adding value for international "players," through hands-on support of business operations and by building a close relationship, says Tiago Farinha, CEO of KCS IT.

The Porto region is going through a moment of international recognition. The challenging economic period of the last decade is visibly fading as technology "players" arrive seeking the best the city has to offer.

Served by an airport that has more than doubled its passenger numbers in 10 years - from 3.4 (2006) to 9.3 million (2016) - the destination has managed to match its tourism offering to demand, sparking international economic interest in other sectors. The unbeaten city has been winning awards and, every year, strengthens its tourist appeal (Primavera Sound, Comic Con, Red Bull Air Race, and the Joan Miró painting collection).

The strengths offered by the region go beyond tourism and generate the confidence needed by global "players" looking to relocate operations and/or establish competence centers advantageously.

Operational centers in Porto, for global action

Euronext relocated its Technology Center to Porto, bringing with it 140 highly qualified professionals, some trained in our country. The European Exchange will have a competence center responsible for cybersecurity and new Digital Transformation projects.

Natixis bank is moving its innovation and technology division to Porto, specifically to the Oporto Center building, formerly home to the Central Shopping mall. In 3 years, the city will gain 600 skilled jobs for this institution alone.

A startup ecosystem is gaining momentum in the region, with new incubators, projects, and experience-sharing events with Venture Capitalists emerging every year. The activity of national technology partners is growing, as seen with Porto Tech Hub and the workforce expansion of its member companies with 150 new jobs in recent months.

How can Porto attract more tech investment?

The arrival of new "players" is only possible because the Porto region benefits from resources equal to or greater than other international cities. The focus now is to study and expand on this. Leaders of companies that recently arrived in the city point to the skills of national IT and Engineering professionals in terms of: technical knowledge; a broad business vision; and high performance demonstrated in challenges on projects abroad.

The quality of training at local Universities, the development of other strengths such as languages, and even competitive salaries also weigh on the decision. Other cited attraction factors include real estate costs, a favorable economic climate for investment, and a technology hub already in motion.

The city benefits from easy air access to major business destinations and has a much more advantageous cost of living than other European centers, while offering an excellent lifestyle and climate.
What national partners should offer.

Consulting firms should guide their action toward adding value for international "players." They need to position themselves in the hands-on support of business operations, building a close relationship while also investing in developing their talent and boosting their capacity to innovate.

Adding value to a client's business in the age of Digital Transformation must be done by delivering strategic consulting that puts the best knowledge in Information Technology and Project Management into practice - a value-generating formula at KCS iT that has led us to open a new office in Porto. Staying close to business needs is essential, for timely knowledge and response and for building a relationship that generates more business at every level.