Nova SBE Public Policy Institute

Education

The Nova SBE Public Policy Institute (NPPI) is committed to training current and future generations of policymakers. It does so by supporting existing Nova SBE programs, such as the Master's in Economics and the Master's in International Development and Public Policy; as well as by offering its own programs directed at students, policymakers, and the general public. The list of these programs includes the Policy Podcast series, the Policy Bites series, and the annual Policy Debate Competition.

Policy Podcasts

The Nova SBE Public Policy Institute (NPPI) sponsors a series of podcasts on matters related to public policy. Initially, there will be two podcast series, both spoken in Portuguese

O podcast Future Check tem um propósito cívico claro: ajudar a pensar além do ruído e confusão, das polarizações do dia-a-dia, evitando as respostas fáceis para questões complexas e importantes.

Foca-se na perspetiva do Desenvolvimento Sustentável, e em concreto no impacto económico, social, ambiental e nas futuras gerações das decisões políticas. Utilizando como referência os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Agenda 2030, a equipa conversa com especialistas nos temas abordados para determinar a sustentabilidade das opções estratégicas, categorizando-as como verde, amarelo ou vermelho.

Este podcast está aberto à contribuição de quem queira tratar um determinado tema utilizando a metodologia proposta. Coordenado por Filipe Alfaiate, especialista internacional em desenvolvimento sustentável, empreendedor de impacto, professor adjunto na NOVA SBE, e Diretor Executivo do Nova SBE Public Policy Institute.

Conselho de Ministro é um podcast em que antigos ministros falam das suas decisões de políticas públicas: as que tomaram e as que não conseguiram tomar. O que correu bem, o que falhou e porquê. Os ventos favoráveis e as forças de bloqueio. O país que encontraram e o país que deixaram.

Para que possamos refletir sobre as políticas públicas em Portugal.

Um podcast da autoria de Ana Fontoura Gouveia e Miguel Lebre de Freitas.

Policy Bites

The Nova SBE Public Policy Institute (NPPI) Policy Bites service corresponds to a series of summaries to help the public stay abreast of the latest developments in the world of public policy and research. Our texts are first posted on our social media accounts and then archived on this page.

Policy Debate Competition

In an increasingly polarized world, ideology is frequently taking the place of ideas. This is particularly noticeable in matters of public policy, where people — politicians and citizens alike — often hold on to preconceived positions without giving due consideration to opposing views.

Should the EU levy a carbon tax? Does it make sense for public universities to charge tuition? Is it right for a country like Portugal to stop immigrant flows? The answers to these and other public policy questions depend to some degree on one’s values, but there is also ample room for agreement — or at least for agreeing to disagree. Understanding the arguments in favor and against each policy is an important step toward forming an informed opinion.

The goal of the Public Policy Debate Competition, organized by Nova SBE’s Public Policy Institute (NPPI), is to foster the study and presentation of ideas in the context of public policy. We aim to host debates where one’s arguments and opinions are compatible with the respect and courteous treatment of those who

Inspired by the Oxford Union tradition, each debate starts with a proposition or motion (e.g., “The European Union should levy a carbon tax”), which the two debating teams are informed of in advance. At the time of the debate, each team is assigned to each side of the proposition at random. This forces participants to prepare arguments both in favor and against a given proposition — even if they believe that, all things considered, their opponent’s position is the right one.

The actual debate begins with opening remarks (1 minute per team). This is followed by two rounds of development arguments (5 minutes per team per round). The debate concludes with closing remarks (1 minute per team).

Once a debate is over, each judge offers a brief comment and scores each team's performance based on their ability to:

  • Present a coherent argument for the position they represent
  • Address the points made by the opposing team
  • Maintain a civilized tone of respect, avoiding ad hominem attacks
  • Master the art of rhetoric
  • Manage time appropriately.

Judges are normally selected among the corps of NPPI Policy Fellows. These are individuals — typically not formally associated with Nova SBE — who have current or past experience in policy making.

All of the debates, as well as the comments by the judges, are conducted in English.

Three rounds of four debates will be scheduled for February-March, 2025 (precise dates to be announced). These rounds will determine the final four teams. The semi-final and final debates will take place on the occasion of the Public Policy Festival, NPPI’s signature annual event, which will take place on April 10, 2025.

Each team is composed of three to five students. Students should be currently enrolled in a bachelors or masters program at a Portuguese university. A total of 16 teams will be selected. Preference will be given for multi-disciplinary and cross-school teams (e.g., a team representing programs in management, sociology and law). Each team should have a faculty advisor (normally a university professor).

For the 2025 edition, the total prize money will be 10,000 euros, divided as follows: 5,000 for the winning team, 3,000 for the runner up, and 1,000 each for the remaining semi-finalists.

Applications should be sent to public.policy.institute@novasbe.pt, indicating “policy debate competition” in the subject line. Each application should include the list of team members and their respective CVs. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2024.