The National Development Fund is the new model development model that serves as a bridge between the state and international funds for sustainable economic progress and strategic investments.
In a period of heightened geo-economic uncertainty, intensifying investment realignments and a reevaluation of public development models in Europe, the National Development Fund is seeking to redefine its role as an institutional pillar of strategic importance for the Greek economy, transitioning from traditional asset management to a more active and interventionist investment policy framework, with the aim of attracting international capital, strengthening critical and creating long-term value with a social and developmental impact.
At a pivotal juncture, marked by the renaming of the former Superfund to the National Development Fund, the leaders of the organization set the tone for this new era during the 3rd Growth Fund Investor Summit 2026, according to ERTnews.gr.
Strategic Shift
This transformation represents a strategic shift from a traditional asset manager to a dynamic, long-term institutional partner that seeks to bridge public policy with leading international capital, as was emphasized.
The challenges of the modern global economy, geopolitical realignments, and the urgent need for infrastructure resilience are fundamentally redefining the concept of domestic competitiveness; and within this environment, the National Development Fund is assuming a dual role. On the one hand, the effective utilization of public assets and, on the other, ensuring high standards of corporate governance with a strong social impact.
Theodoridis: “True success is measured by a broader social dividend”
Opening the conference, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Stefanos Theodoridis, clearly laid out the foundations of this new institution.
“For us, financial performance is a prerequisite, a necessary condition, but not an end in itself. True success is measured when value creation is accompanied by a broader social dividend.” Mr. Theodoridis emphasized that capital flows primarily to where there is trust, which is built through stable, transparent, and predictable institutions that operate consistently.
It is precisely this gap that the National Development Fund aims to fill, operating with a horizon that extends beyond the usual economic and political cycles. “We aspire to serve as a bridge between public policy and private capital,” he noted, summarizing the organization’s strategic direction.
Concluding his speech, he addressed the major challenge of our time—the coexistence of economic performance and social progress—emphasizing the need “to transform growth into sustainable national wealth and national wealth into prosperity that trickles down to the whole of society. This, after all, is the true essence of sustainable development.”
Stamboulidis: Strategic investments, infrastructure resilience, and digital security
Next, Deputy CEO Panagiotis Stamboulidis elaborated on the Fund’s operational strategy, focusing on major infrastructure projects, digital autonomy, and national security.
Mr. Stamboulidis referred to the valuable expertise the organization has acquired, which now enables it to operate as a modern, professional public entity, while simultaneously forging strategic agreements and building bridges.
Particular emphasis was placed on the need to shield the country’s critical infrastructure against stressful conditions, with him noting that the discussion on resilience must be placed very high on the agenda.
“In major projects—which concern both infrastructure resilience and the country’s energy autonomy and security—we are key partners on the front lines. It is also very important to note that […] the discussion regarding critical entities and infrastructure resilience must be placed very high on the agenda. This is because, in essence, it is crucial that all investments—including those by the Public Power Corporation (PPC) and other companies investing in infrastructure and networks—be able to function even under the most critical conditions,” noted Mr. Stamboulidis.
The National Development Fund maintains a strong and expanded presence in critical sectors of the economy and daily life, such as transportation, ports, airports, and water management. According to Mr. Stamboulidis, leveraging expertise is critical to upgrading these sectors.
The Day Ahead – Financing Tools and Social Mission
Referring to the creation and operations of the Strategic Importance Contracts Unit (PPF) since early 2021, Mr. Stamboulidis recalled the market’s initial doubts, which were, however, overcome through the successful development and implementation of major projects.
Gaining this trust paves the way for even greater financing opportunities. As he revealed, in addition to current projects, extensive preparations are underway that are expected to bring in an additional €500 million in the coming period. The goal now is to enhance efficiency and ensure the Fund’s direct participation in some of these strategic projects.
The Growth Fund Investor Summit demonstrated that the former Superfund, under its new identity as the National Development Fund, is entering a phase of maturity, with its key pillars being transparency, corporate governance, infrastructure resilience, and the channeling of added value back to society itself, aims to serve as the key driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
