1st ADVISORY BOARD MEETING IN PORTUGAL

On the 9th of February 2017, the first National Advisory Board meeting of the "ARTISAN project was held at University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The Portuguese committee is constituted of ten members:

• Dalila Dias (coordinator of the Historical Villages of Portugal),

• Paulo Fernandes (president of Municipality of Fundão),

• Teresa Magalhães (deputy Director of Association for the development of the Center-South Raia), - José dos Reis (president of Star-South Rural Development Association),

• Pedro Neto (director of Quinta da Ribeira de Alpreade),

• André Redondo (president of Sociocultural Association of Castelo Novo),

• José Gameiro (president of Business Association of Beira Baixa),

• Sónia Azevedo (adviser of Business Association of Beira Baixa),

• António Leitão (IAPMEI - Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation) and

• João Amaral (president of the Association of Artisans of Serra da Estrela).

The agenda of the meeting included the presentation of the ARTISAN project and the presentation of the results of the first intellectual output entitled: "State of the art and policy recommendations". The National Advisory Board gave suggestions and comments on the daily challenges of family businesses in the craft and agrotourism sectors.

All Advisory Board members accepted immediately to participate in ARTISAN project and collaborate with the project on what it is necessary. The Advisory Board highlighted the importance and relevance of the project for Portugal.