OR in Portugal: Past achievements and current perspectives

This paper reviews some of the most important aspects of the recent history of OR in Portugal, namely the key role played by academics, the position of OR in the curricula of Portuguese universities, successful applications in industry and the development of APDIO, the Portuguese OR Society. After discussing some negative aspects of the current stage of development of OR in our country, the review ends with a suggestion for a new line of action considered essential in order to ensure a favourable evolution of OR in Portugal.