Demographics in Transition and the Evolving Economy: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Portuguese society is at a crossroads, requiring a proactive approach to address demographic and economic challenges while ensuring social well-being and sustainable development. This thesis examines the interplay between demographic trends and economic realities, highlighting key factors such as aging, migration, and labour market dynamics. It underscores the urgent need for Portugal to rethink traditional age-related benchmarks—early retirement, late retirement, and old age—and to develop a comprehensive age policy that aligns with the nation’s evolving demographic landscape. The analysis emphasizes the vital role of demographic data as a tool not only to understand current realities but also to anticipate future scenarios. Demographic trends are not fixed destinies; they present opportunities to address risks and transform potential threats into drivers of growth and resilience. This thesis advocates for policies that prioritize human development and quality of life for all residents, regardless of demographic shifts in volume, aging, geographical distribution, or societal behaviours. In the context of the growing adoption of Business Intelligence (BI) solutions worldwide, this project explores the development and implementation of a BI system using Power BI. Data from two distinctsources were extracted to feed into the data system, enabling the construction of a comprehensive dashboard. The dashboard incorporates analyses related to the resident and immigrant populations, employment and unemployment trends, as well as economic factors such as business creation and dissolution, and trade flows, including imports and exports. By leveraging these insights, the project aims to deliver a powerful tool for data-driven decision-making and to enhance understanding of the interplay between demographic and economic dynamics.