Technopolis SA
Published on 17 September 2019
Greece
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About this good practice
Technopolis Thessaloniki ICT Business Park is an initiative of the Association of Information Technology Companies of Northern Greece (SEPVE) and was founded in 2001 with the participation of Information and High Technology companies from all over Greece, as well as public bodies. The company's aim was to establish the first high techology Business Park in Greece and to resolve some of the problems of companies in the industry, such as housing needs. Also to create a grid of modern infrastructure and investment opportunities, which will be a development opportunity both for Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, and the country in general. The area which was selected for the creation of the Park is located on the eastern side of the city, which is the fastest growing area of Thessaloniki, and has already evolved into a center of innovation and technology where within a short distance are the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), the Museum of Technology (NOISIS) and CEDEFOP. Also in the wider region there are several commercial and recreational centers, hotels, medical facilities and educational institutions. The company's next goal is the utilization of the accumulated experience to create a network of Technopolis – Incubators in other regions of the country.
Resources needed
The investment project was of 12.5 M. Euros
Evidence of success
More than 34 start-ups hosted during the last 9 years in Technopolis Incubator, More than 125 new jobs created, and more than € 800.000 invested in capital participation. A collaboration with CERN has been established offering support to young entrepreneurs to develop new products and services based on CERN’s technologies. Up to date Technopolis has initiated two clusters. The 1st software development cluster (2013) and the AI Cluster (2019).
Potential for learning or transfer
Technopolis is a private initiative. It was not based on the exploitation of immediate opportunities, regardless of planning or principle.
Its vision was clear from the beginning and remains such without any mitigation up to date.
Personal engagement plays the most important success factor. The everlasting personal engagement of the initiator kept the venture alive even at hard times.
State of the art infrastructure and professional management of the park is also a significant success factor.
Alongside the above-mentioned, the establishment of Technopolis in a city that is considered the foremost choice to invest in ICT in Southeastern Europe was of strategic importance for its further development. Thessaloniki hosts a considerable number of academic and research organizations, as well as an extended entrepreneurial network in the ICT market. Thessaloniki has metropolitan qualities and acts as attractor to live work and do business.
Its vision was clear from the beginning and remains such without any mitigation up to date.
Personal engagement plays the most important success factor. The everlasting personal engagement of the initiator kept the venture alive even at hard times.
State of the art infrastructure and professional management of the park is also a significant success factor.
Alongside the above-mentioned, the establishment of Technopolis in a city that is considered the foremost choice to invest in ICT in Southeastern Europe was of strategic importance for its further development. Thessaloniki hosts a considerable number of academic and research organizations, as well as an extended entrepreneurial network in the ICT market. Thessaloniki has metropolitan qualities and acts as attractor to live work and do business.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
TECHNOPOLIS SA
Greece
Kentriki Makedonia
Contact
Innovation Project Manager / TTO