Greece prioritizes AI leadership, linking research with industry and reducing inequalities

Greece is strategically prioritizing the development of a new economic model centered on the knowledge economy, with the ambition to become a leader in Artificial Intelligence. Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Development, outlined this vision, emphasizing the goal of disseminating research findings into the market to generate high-quality jobs for young scientists.

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Our strategic priority is to shape a new productive model based on the knowledge economy, so that Greece can take the lead in Artificial Intelligence. The goal is to disseminate research results to the market, creating quality jobs for young scientists. We are focusing on linking research with industry, reducing regional inequalities. We cultivate a horizontal culture of innovation, building today the infrastructure of tomorrow to incentivize our young people to create in our country.

The ministry is actively working to bridge the gap between research and industry, aiming to reduce regional disparities. Kalafatis highlighted initiatives such as integrating "Modern Technologies" into the new development law and a forthcoming 150 million euro program to introduce AI into Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The Elevate Greece program supports over 1,000 startups, offering significant R&D tax incentives and business angel incentives.

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At the Ministry of Development, under the guidance of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and in collaboration with Minister Takis Theodorikakos, we are implementing a strategy to connect research with production. In the new development law, we have incorporated 'Modern Technologies', and in September, a 150 million euro scheme will be announced for the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in SMEs. Through Elevate Greece, we support over 1,000 startups (8,500 employees), offering tax exemptions up to 315% for R&D investments and incentives for Business Angels.

Further bolstering the innovation ecosystem, the "Research – Innovate" program, with a budget of 300 million euros, funds collaborations between businesses and research organizations. The Smart Specialization Strategy ensures that research output directly addresses market needs. Kalafatis also pointed to the "Research – Innovate" program, with a budget of 300 million euros, which funds collaborations between businesses and research organizations.

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The emblematic action 'Research – Innovate' (budget of 300 million euros) finances partnerships between businesses and research organizations, while the Smart Specialization Strategy ensures that the research produced responds to real market needs.

In Thessaloniki, the focus is on leveraging the city's strong human capital from universities and research institutions to establish it as a "Digital Port of Southeast Europe" and a robust regional innovation hub. This vision is supported by a Master Plan for 30 major projects by 2030, including the 4th generation Technological Park Thess INTEC and the AI Nucleus research center, which aims to place Thessaloniki on the global map for data processing technologies. These developments are attracting global giants like Pfizer, Deloitte, and Accenture, enhancing local expertise.

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Thessaloniki has excellent human resources in our universities and top research institutions. Our main priority is to elevate the city to the 'Digital Port of Southeast Europe', a strong regional innovation hub. This vision is served by the Master Plan of 30 major projects for Thessaloniki by 2030, which I was responsible for coordinating from the moment the Prime Minister himself presented it.