The focus is on the integration of research, entrepreneurship and technology to promote Patras as a regional hub for innovation.
The future of the research and technology ecosystem in Western Greece was at the center of the discussions held by the Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis in Patras, with visits to leading research institutions and discussions on strengthening the link between science, production, and entrepreneurship. During the meetings at the Institute of Industrial Systems (IN.V.I.S.) and the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICEHS), the region’s role as a dynamic hub for the development of new technologies, research applications, and innovative business solutions was highlighted, with the aim of transforming scientific achievements into tangible benefits for the economy and society. At the same time, discussions focused on the prospects for upgrading infrastructure, the utilization of the expertise of universities and research institutions, as well as the further strengthening of the regional ecosystem innovation which can establish Patras as a major technological hub in the wider region.
“We had a substantive and productive discussion today at IN.V.I.S. focused on how we can further support the local innovation ecosystem of Western Greece, how we will upgrade research infrastructure and more effectively strengthen scientific research, and how we can connect local stakeholders, so that they can engage in dialogue with one another and make this important activity taking place in Patras more productive. A region that possesses all the necessary elements —universities, research infrastructure, and particularly vibrant economic and business activity to become a regional hub for innovation and development in the wider region”.
The visit
The above points were highlighted by Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis, according to a press release, during his visit to the facilities of the Institute of Industrial Systems (IN.VI.S.) of the “Athena” Research Center, which operates in Patras under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation of the Ministry of Development.
He added: “Our primary goal is to connect this entire scientific and research ecosystem with the needs of society and the economy, so that we can contribute more effectively to regional development, reduce inequalities, support entrepreneurship and industry, and improve the quality of life for every citizen. At the Ministry of Development, within the framework of the national strategy outlined by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and implemented under the guidance of Minister Takis Theodorikakos, we are working systematically to ensure that research findings are transformed into innovative solutions that enhance the economy’s competitiveness and contribute to the well-being of citizens.”
During his meeting with the Institute’s director, Professor Chrysostomos Stylios, Mr. Kalafatis praised the work being carried out by the Institute, as well as its research and development focus on providing modern digital technologies and related services for industrial processes and business environments, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Greek industry.
One of the leading research centers in our country
Mr. Kalafatis also visited the facilities of the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (I.E.Ch.M.), in Platani, Patras—one of the 10 institutes of the Foundation for Research and Technology—Hellenic Technology Foundation (FORTH), which is also overseen by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Ministry of Development. The Deputy Minister was welcomed and briefed by the Institute’s Director, Dr. Theophilos Ioannidis, the members of the Scientific Council, and the Institute’s research staff. Mr. Ioannidis focused on cutting-edge technologies under development, the new spin-off companies created by the Institute, as well as on ongoing research projects, emphasizing the role that ITE plays in strengthening the regional economy and fostering innovation in Western Greece.
“ITE has been repeatedly recognized as one of the leading research centers in our country, as well as in Europe, for the pioneering, cutting-edge scientific research it conducts, contributing to technological innovation, the specialized training of researchers, and the strengthening of our country’s innovation ecosystem,” Mr. Kalafatis noted, expressing his satisfaction with the high level of achievements by the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences. “The results of the Institute’s research efforts address contemporary social needs and the challenges of our time, such as green energy, sustainable environmental development, and the quality of citizens’ daily lives. That is why the support of the Ministry of Development and the General Secretariat for Research and Technology is both assured and ongoing,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.
The tour
This was followed by a tour of the construction site for the new building, where Mr. Kalafatis had the opportunity to be briefed on the progress of the work.
That morning, Stavros Kalafatis, along with a government delegation consisting of the Minister of National Economy and Finance and President of the Eurogroup, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Nikolaos Papaioannou, and members of parliament from the prefecture, visited His Eminence Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Patras, and Nektarios Farmakis, Regional Governor of Western Greece, with whom they discussed issues related to strengthening the Regional Innovation Ecosystem of Western Greece.
At the Port of Patras S.A. which they visited immediately afterward, the Deputy Minister of Development met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Authority, Panagiotis Anastasopoulos, and members of the Board of Directors. In his remarks, he emphasized: “In a world that is evolving in a completely different and very rapid way—where new technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing are shaping a new environment, we all must adapt. The port is a unique hub of development for Patras and the wider region. And through our support for new technologies and the plans in place for the future, we are confident that it will serve as the spearhead for the development of the entire region.”
