Greece will soon unveil a sweeping research and innovation strategy aimed at fostering applied science with tangible economic benefits, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos announced Thursday.
The plan, set to be introduced in the coming months, underscores the government’s push to transform Greece into a hub for technological advancement and economic growth.
Speaking at the Athena Research Center, Mr. Theodorikakos emphasized the need to bridge cutting-edge research with real-world applications that benefit both businesses and citizens.
“Research and innovation with measurable results for the economy and society are a top priority. We must link groundbreaking research with opportunities for young Greeks, ensuring they build their futures here rather than seeking them abroad,” he said.
The minister highlighted the role of new technologies in bolstering agricultural productivity and enhancing the competitiveness of Greek businesses.
“For Greece to remain strong and secure, it must become more productive, strengthen research, and help businesses develop better products for export,” he added. He also stressed the importance of regional development, particularly in border areas, to counter population migration to urban centers.
Mr. Theodorikakos revealed that more than €370 million has been earmarked for upgrading research infrastructure, with major improvements expected within two years.
“Significant funds are being allocated, and we must ensure they are used efficiently to drive innovation and economic development,” he said.
During his visit, the minister was briefed on several pioneering projects at the Athena Research Center, including a robotic platform for loading aviation containers developed with Airbus, a quadruped robot for precision agriculture and rescue operations, and an open-source large language model trained on 45 billion Greek words.
Other innovations showcased included a robotic surgery prototype, a medical informatics platform improving hospital data accuracy, and AI-driven startups developing cutting-edge technologies.
The visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging research and innovation to fuel economic progress, create high-value jobs, and position Greece as a key player in the global technology sector.
The upcoming strategy aims to channel these efforts into a structured national plan that drives long-term economic and technological advancement.