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🇬🇷 Greece /Technology

Thessaloniki’s Development Plan Moves From Major Projects to Artificial Intelligence

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Interview Named sources New plan
  • Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis described the Thessaloniki International Fair as a longstanding development landmark for Thessaloniki and northern Greece.
  • He highlighted the fair’s planned redevelopment, the Kalamaria metro extension, the Fly Over road project and a new pediatric hospital.
  • Kalafatis said the government wants Thessaloniki to become a hub for technology, education, research and innovation, including artificial intelligence.

Thessaloniki’s development plans are moving from major construction projects toward artificial intelligence and applied research, according to Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis. In an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency’s Praktorio 104.9 FM, he presented the Thessaloniki International Fair as a central part of the city’s future.

“The Thessaloniki International Fair is the yesterday, the today and also the tomorrow of the development of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece,” Kalafatis said. He described the fair as a social, economic and development landmark that emerged nine decades ago and is now evolving into a modern engine of growth for the city.

He said the redevelopment of the fairgrounds had reached a decisive point after a long period of dialogue and disagreement that had weighed on Thessaloniki’s future. The project, he said, will combine a modern exhibition center with a 120-hectare open green space in the city center for residents and visitors.

The Thessaloniki International Fair is the yesterday, the today and also the tomorrow of the development of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece.

· Stavros KalafatisThe deputy development minister described the fair’s long-term role in the region’s development.

Kalafatis also pointed to the completion of the metro project with the Kalamaria extension, rapid progress on the Fly Over project and the construction of a new pediatric hospital. He described these as projects that are changing the city and investing in its future, within a master plan for “Thessaloniki 2030” developed during his earlier tenure at the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace.

The minister said Thessaloniki should also lead in new technology and artificial intelligence infrastructure. He highlighted the Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas, or CERTH, as the country’s leading research center, producing applied research with practical effects on the economy, entrepreneurship and daily life.

One stated goal is to help small and medium-sized businesses reduce operating or production costs and become more competitive. Kalafatis linked that goal to an innovation ecosystem involving CERTH, NOESIS, Technopolis and Thes INTEC, alongside major private-sector investments.

We want Thessaloniki to lead in the area of infrastructure for new technologies and artificial intelligence.

· Stavros KalafatisKalafatis outlined the government’s technology and innovation ambitions for the city.
About this summary

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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