Research and innovation are fundamental to higher education: they advance scientific knowledge and are essential for socio-economic development, as well as for training citizens who are engaged with society.

The Polytechnic University of Setúbal hosts several research units equipped with laboratories and other infrastructure for conducting basic or applied research studies and projects. Participation in these projects enriches students academically and contributes to regional and national development.

Scientific knowledge and innovation facilitate the generation of new and original ideas, which the Polytechnic University of Setúbal shares with the community and the regional and national business sectors, thereby fostering connections with the market. Technology transfer enables these outcomes and knowledge to be returned to the community.

Students are encouraged to explore their ideas and projects, and to bring them to the attention of the business world wherever possible. This encourages entrepreneurship and allows students to develop skills such as creativity, problem solving and teamwork.