Moura draws a distinct line between the fields of science and art, but suggests that European innovators will need to borrow from both disciplines.
"Art and science are two distinct forms of knowledge. The separation is a fact because science has established, throughout its history, a set of rules based on objectivity that is not present in art. But cooperation is possible and necessary as it can help innovation to emerge in both fields," he said.
"I believe that the future of the arts has much to gain from the intersection with science."
Moura cites biologists such as Richard Dawkins and E.O. Wilson as major influences on his work. He has created a 'Robotarium' – a kind of zoo filled with autonomous robots – and says he hopes to find inspiration for his art by drawing on ideas generated by behavioural and biological scientists.
"When we want to generate artificial life, like my robots, it is very helpful to learn from those that have deeply studied life itself. Biology is a powerful source of new ideas and I was lucky to have access to the teachings of brilliant minds like Dawkins and Wilson. The latter has a seminal work on ants, whose behaviour is at the base of my creative machines," he said.
This is the perspective he brings to the debate on how to make Europe more inventive, with the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (EYCI) focusing minds along with behind-the-scenes work on a new innovation strategy.
Moura believes artists must also be more business-minded. He said artists operate in a "market environment" and usually seek to sell their work, but their primary purpose must be to "expand human vision".
The Portuguese artist and inventor is one of 27 ambassadors for the EYCI. The ambassadors will this month present a draft version of their manifesto for rebooting Europe's creativity and innovation strategy.
Proposals on education, research spending and innovation in the workplace are expected to feature prominently as part of the detailed creativity blueprint when it is presented to the European Commission.
Leonel Moura was speaking to Gary Finnegan.
