EIT Community Hub in Greece

Greece’s innovation ecosystem has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, emerging as a dynamic environment that fosters entrepreneurship, facilitates technology transfer, and promotes sustainable development. This transformation has been driven by a series of post-2010 policy reforms, increased investment in research and development (R&D), and sustained support from the European Union. Catalyzed in part by the country’s recovery from the financial crisis, these developments have laid a solid foundation for long-term innovation capacity. A strong base comprising a highly skilled research community, agile startups, and a robust network of academic and research institutions is propelling Greece’s steady progress toward becoming a leading hub for innovation and technological advancement in Southeast Europe.

Over the past decade, Greece has demonstrated consistent improvement in innovation performance. Notable progress has been achieved in key areas such as product innovation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the number of public-private co-publications, and employment within innovative enterprises. These indicators reflect the country’s growing capacity for research-industry collaboration and underscore the crucial role of SMEs in driving technological progress.

To foster innovation and address regional disparities, Greece’s national Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) focuses on building upon the unique strengths, capabilities, and growth potential of each region. By identifying priority sectors that align with both local characteristics and national strategic goals, RIS3 ensures that innovation efforts are targeted and impactful. The key areas of focus include Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), renewable energy, agri-food, health, and sustainable tourism. Through coordinated actions and carefully directed investments, the strategy promotes balanced, regionally grounded, and innovation-driven development across the country. 

Strengthening Greece’s innovation ecosystem is vital for economic growth, enhanced global competitiveness, and effective responses to societal challenges. A resilient and well-developed innovation landscape will drive productivity, empower SMEs and start-ups, and encourage stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. It will also play a key role in attracting and retaining talent, advancing workforce skills, and positioning Greece as a dynamic contributor to the global innovation landscape.