The Operational Programme "Competitiveness" (OP "COM") constitutes the central body for the efforts involved in the development of new economical activities in Greece. In particular, the goal of actions, to be developed during the five year period within the framework of the programme, is the creation of new companies, sectors and activities based on the application of information technology and communications. Particular emphasis is given to in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), via the development of appropriate financial credit mechanisms (such as venture capital) and institutional mechanisms (such as company "incubators").

Regarding research, in the case of OP "COM", the most important difference, compared to the previous programmes (EPET I-II) is the introduction of R&D activities under the umbrella of a single programme for the manufacturing sector, aiming at optimising co-ordination of activities and increasing co-operation among the organisations involved.

The basic aims of R&D policy within the framework of OP "COM" are as follows:

• strengthening the competitiveness of the Greek economy by increasing the involvement of the manufacturing sector in the implementation of R&D activities and by linking research to production,
• strengthening enterprises in adopting innovative and technological activities in essential sectors,
• improving the position of Greece in the Research and Technology sector (material/technical research infrastructure, specialisation of R&D manpower),
• cultivating the organic presence of Research and Technology in the productive sector of the country's regions,
• enhancing international co-operation, particularly in the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean area.

Activities relating to R&D are as follows: Measure 3.3, Measure 4.1, Measure 4.2 (4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3), Measure 4.3 (4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.6), Measure 4.4 (4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 4.4.5, 4.4.6, 4.4.7, 4.4.8, 4.4.9, 4.4.10), Measure 4.5, Measure 8.3 (8.3.1, 8.3.2, 8.3.3, 8.3.4, 8.3.5, 8.3.6).

The development of OP "COM" activities for R&D has already been started by the competent authorities of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology and one part of the programme's activities has already been initiated. According to assessments, actions to be carried out by OP "COM" will improve the administrative and organisational potential of Greek businesses in relation to access, assimilation and adoption of new technologies. Regarding employment, the overall impact of the programme in new economy will contribute to the creation of 100,000 new jobs.