Greece strengthens its place in Europe’s growing innovation map

The EIT Community Hub Greece has been officially launched this month, connecting the country’s innovation ecosystem with Europe’s largest network for innovation, education, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. The kick-off event, held at the National Bank of Greece Headquarters in Athens, underscored the importance of local institutions in advancing entrepreneurship and innovation.

Dr Anastasios Gaitanis, General Secretary for Research & Innovation at the Ministry of Development & Investments and Ms Argyro Zerva, General Secretary of European Funds and Infrastructure, Ministry of Rural Development and Food

The opening remarks set the tone for collaboration and vision. Ms Vicky D. Kefalas, Member of the EIT Governing Board and of the EIC Board of Directors, spoke about Greece’s growing potential to shape Europe’s innovation agenda and the importance of aligning national efforts with EU-wide priorities. Ms Argyro Zerva, General Secretary for European Funds and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, emphasised the role of European support mechanisms in enabling sustainable regional growth. Dr Anastasios Gaitanis, General Secretary for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Development and Investments, underlined the government’s commitment to strengthening research capacity and fostering industrial transformation.

Mr. Michael Dritsas, Policy Officer, General Directorate of Strategy, Planning and Implementation of the NSRF, Ministry of National Economy and Finance;Ms. Argyro Zerva, General Secretary of European Funds and Infrastructure, Ministry of Rural Development and Food;Dr Niki Kousi, Managing Director EIT Manufacturing 

Together, their interventions reflected a shared commitment: to make Greece not only a beneficiary of European innovation, but an active contributor to its future. Participants echoed this ambition, sharing insights into how collaboration, skills and technology can accelerate the country’s transition toward a more resilient and knowledge-driven economy.

Established in May 2025 in Athens under the coordination of EIT Manufacturing, the Hub marks a milestone in linking Greek innovators with EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). It is operationalised by Ms Christina Dolianidi, EIT Community Officer for Greece, who will oversee the Hub’s mission to foster collaboration among startups, research institutions, corporates and policymakers, strengthening Greece’s contribution to Europe’s technological resilience and competitiveness.

Dr Niki Kousi, Managing Director of EIT Manufacturing; Ms Vicky D Kefalas, EIT Governing Board Member, EIC Member of the Board of Directors; Christina Dolianidi, EIT Community Greece Officer

Linking local innovation to European networks

Greece’s innovation landscape developed rapidly in recent years, supported by strong research capabilities, engineering expertise and growing entrepreneurial ambition. The Hub connects national stakeholders with the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) across various sectors, such as manufacturing, health, urban mobility, food, digital, raw materials, climate, energy and culture and creativity.

Through these European links, Greek innovators gain access to education, business creation and innovation programmes that accelerate technology adoption, support startups from prototype to scale-up and promote skills for a digital and sustainable industrial future.

Within the EIT Manufacturing ecosystem, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, Ministry of Development and Investments, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the National Bank of Greece, Motor Oil Group S.A., the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation S.A. (HCDI) and Teaching Factory Competence Centre (TF-CC) play an active role in advancing the country’s manufacturing and innovation capacity. Their engagement reflects the strategic importance of industrial transformation and public–private collaboration in shaping Greece’s competitiveness.

Dr Spyros Arsenis, Head of National Bank of Greece (NBG) Innovation, Mr. Konstantinos Chatzifotis, EU Affairs Manager at Motor Oil Group S.A. ,Niki Kousi, Managing Director EIT Manufacturing, Mr. Panagiotis Papageorgiou, Executive Board Member at Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation S.A., Mr. Michael Dritsas, Policy Officer, General Directorate of Strategy, Planning and Implementation of the NSRF, Ministry of National Economy and Finance, Dr. Evangelos Kosmidis, CEO & General Partner at Loggerhead VC

Manufacturing in Greece

Manufacturing is an important driver of the Greek economy. According to data from Trading Economics and the World Bank, the sector contributes to Greece approximately 8.7% of GDP in 2024, with a gross value added of EUR 66.2 billion in 2022: nearly three times the level in 2014.

The sector has shown renewed strength, with increased export activity and investment in digital transformation.  The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, supported by EU funding, is modernising production across the country.

Key industries include steel, cooper, hydrogen, food and beverage processing, textiles and apparel, electronics and electrical equipment and renewable energy technologies, according to Eurostat and Reuters sector data.

Building an inclusive innovation ecosystem

The EIT Community Hub Greece makes European support more tangible, creating a bridge between local potential and continental opportunities. By connecting people, ideas and resources, it helps create a more inclusive and dynamic innovation ecosystem, empowering Greek talent to thrive and contribute to Europe’s technological future.