Although they are of significantly different sizes, the common interests of the two cities highlight meaningful development potential, based on strong existing links in terms of economy, culture, higher education and research. Beyond the meetings involving the entire delegation at the Chamber of Commerce, Consulate, etc., several meetings took place at the University of Sao Paulo, which has the reputation of being the best University in South America. After reviewing existing partnerships, the discussions revealed significant development potential and an agreement between USP and the University of Lyon is now planned. Based on a joint proposal, a workshop should be organised in Lyon (to be confirmed) which would bring together all players/research professors currently involved and provide an opportunity to include other parties in order to broaden the development prospects and allow the USP/University of Lyon to develop their mutual understanding as part of a strategic institutional partnership.

INSA already has a long-standing agreement with the Polytechnic School of USP. This was renewed last year at INSA Group level. Today, the aim is to put in place a dual-diploma agreement with the INSA departments that are interested.

A high-level meeting at the FAPESP, the organisation in charge of research funding for the Sao Paulo State, has been organised. Finally, potential partnerships with companies that were part of the delegation or encountered on site are to be pursued. While INSA Lyon has been working with Brazil for nearly 30 years through many different partnerships, programmes and facilities (Amerinsa, Brafitec, Sciences without frontiers, CMIRA, Capes-Cofecub, etc.), it is clear that being part of a Greater Lyon mission is highly relevant for the School, since it unites all the players in the Lyon area in terms of their international development, thereby increasing their profile and credibility.