Regional events in Western Macedonia
It was a busy time in Western Macedonia. Lately partners meeting was hosted there, but prior regional events concerning SMART CON EUROPE project were conducted as well.
- The MaterLab Laboratory of the Department of Chemical Engineering coordinated a significant workshop in collaboration with the General Directorate of Organization and Development and the Directorate of Private Investments and Innovation of the Region of Western Macedonia. This event was focused on presenting SMART CON EUROPE project outcomes and planning future synergies to support local communities and businesses in the region. The meeting was participated by the Head of the Directorate of Private Investments and Innovation, Mr. Dimitrios Stathopoulos, and the Head of the Department for Monitoring and Evaluation of Investment Plans, Ms. Matina Fouka.
The discussion focused on increasing the participation of SMEs from Western Macedonia in European Innovation Programs, such as Horizon 2020. Existing support systems and the challenges businesses face when integrating into European projects were analyzed. Emphasis was placed on funding opportunities and the obstacles companies encounter when seeking resources for innovative initiatives. The meeting contributed to identifying the best practices and shaping specific action plans to enhance the participation of local businesses in international collaborations. Additionally, strategies were examined to help regions address the challenges of climate change, promote economic development, and strengthen job creation through public-private sector collaboration in implementing innovative solutions.
- The MaterLab Laboratory of the Department of Chemical Engineering organized a significant workshop in collaboration with the Directorate of the Regional Development Fund (RDF) and the respective Directorates of Scientific Support and Program Implementation of the RDF of the Region of Western Macedonia. This workshop aimed to present the project’s deliverables and discuss future joint actions to support local communities and businesses in the region. The meeting was participated by the Head of the Department of Scientific Support and Program Implementation of the NSRF OP, Ms. Katerina Koutsianou, the Head of the Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department, Mr. Stavros Sapalidis, the employee of the European Programs, Smart Specialization, and Innovation Department of the Directorate of Private Investments and Innovation of the Region of Western Macedonia, Mr. Vasileios Machairas, as well as the employee of the Scientific Support and Program Implementation Department, Mr. Theodoros Stavrakas.
The discussion focused on strengthening the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Region of Western Macedonia in European Research and Innovation Programs, especially in programs like Horizon 2020. Existing support systems for local businesses were discussed, with an emphasis on funding opportunities, procedures for inclusion in European projects, and the obstacles faced by SMEs in seeking resources for innovative actions. This workshop successfully achieved the goal of identifying best practices and developing specific actions to enhance the participation of local entrepreneurs in international collaborations, thereby boosting their competitiveness and growth in the international economic environment. The participants discussed strategies that will enable the regions to respond to the challenges of climate change, ensure economic growth, and create jobs while enhancing public-private sector collaboration for the implementation of innovative solutions.
Both discussions were coordinated by Professor Ioannis Bakouros, supported by the MaterLab team, consisting of Ms. Amalia Kouskoura and Ms. Eleni Kalliontzi.