The Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, participated today in the 163rd meeting of the Conference of Presidents of Research Centers and Technological
Organizations at the Demokritos Greek Orthodox Church.

In his speech he referred to necessity of investment in research and innovation and the essential interconnection with the real economy. In this way, as he emphasized, relevant investments can contribute to the country’s growth, competitiveness and resilience in an ever-changing global economic environment.

Mr. Theodorikakos visited the country’s first integrated pilot station for the production, storage, compression and use of green hydrogen for
the charging of light vehicles. He also toured the model facilities of the biotechnology company Solmeyea, which recently managed to be accepted into the EIC (European Innovation Council) Accelerator program.

The speech of the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, in detail:

“I am very happy to be next to great scientists and researchers who adorn the technological and research centers of our country. From the first moment I assumed the crucial duties of the Minister of Development four months ago, I spoke about the necessity of implementing a new production model in our country with the aim of balanced and sustainable development.

By restructuring the Greek industry, by substantially supporting the primary sector, by investing in the green and digital transition and of course in research and innovation and its substantial interconnection with the market.

Because this is the only way to strengthen our country’s security, its resilience in the face of international challenges in a volatile geopolitical environment, but also the social cohesion that is necessary for our country to move forward.

As the former governor of the European Central Bank and former prime minister of Italy, Mario Draghi, recently stated, Europe needs 800 billion euros of investment annually. Immediately. Greece must play a leading role and be at the forefront at a pan-European level.

On October 21, we will present to the country’s productive bodies, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, our concept and our plan, as well as the measures and policies that we believe can lead to this new productive model.

Our highest priority is the creation of thousands of new and better-paid jobs, so that no citizen feels the need to seek a better future away from Greece, as was the case during the difficult years of the more than ten-year crisis.

We want all the young guys, our scientists, the brilliant minds of our country and our excellent scientific staff to stay and implement their plan and vision here.

To stay in their place, to create their family, and to offer a substantial solution to the great demographic problem.

An issue that concerns us all and which we must face immediately because it concerns our children, our future, our very existence as a nation.

We invest in highly skilled human capital and turn brain drain into brain gain.

So what are we doing at the Ministry of Development for research and innovation:

  • In intervention I of “Research – Innovate”, 427 proposals were submitted by 565 companies with a total budget of 237.3 million euros.
  • A total of 2,402 different companies participated in intervention II on the subject of “Business Partnerships with Research Organizations”, while 1,938 proposals were submitted with a Public Expenditure of 2,502,363,242.25 euros and a Budget of 2,834,002,309.57 euros.
  • The General Secretariat for Research and Innovation supervises eleven research bodies, of which nine are research centers and two are research institutes, with staff for 2024 reaching 1,900 employees. It still has three technological agencies under its supervision, as well as Elevate Greece and EL.ID.EK.
  • So far – through the Recovery Fund – 114 million euros have been given to modernize the building infrastructure and equipment of the research centers, but also to strengthen basic and applied research.

These investments are not simple numbers and statistics. It is the foundation for improving the quality of life of all our fellow citizens, but also for the economic development of our country.

Research and innovation are of great importance for the Greek economy, as through the connection with the real economy they can contribute to the country’s growth, competitiveness and resilience in an ever-changing global economic environment.

They are also a central pillar for the competitiveness of businesses. Greek companies that invest in new technologies and products can differentiate themselves in the domestic and international market. This makes them more resilient and successful in the challenges they face.

They promote the development of high-tech and innovative sectors, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

These industries can contribute to GDP growth and provide well-paid, highly skilled jobs.

Through the use of advanced technologies and the development of innovative solutions, the State can improve the efficiency of the public sector and reduce bureaucracy, making the economy more functional”.