22/02/2005

The creation of productive co-operation networks between universities, research centres and regional governments, and the greatest possible mobilisation of the private sector, are two of the primary objectives of the Ministry of Development in the near future. This announcement was made by Mr. D. Sioufas, Minister of Development, in a press conference held on 14 February 2005 at the Zappeio Megaro where, together with the General Secretary for Research & Technology, Mr. Ioannis Tsoukalas, he presented the Ministry's measures and actions for research and technology.

The utilisation of research resources, both in Greece and abroad, together with the exploitation of the potential deriving from the country's participation in the European research and technology environment, are the primary aims of the Ministry's policy for the coming years. As Mr. Sioufas pointed out, the Ministry plans to increase funding for research to 1.5% of the GDP, with 40% of that amount coming from the private sector.

An important element in this effort is the Operational Programme "Competitiveness" (OP "COM"), which includes funding for relevant actions to the amount of 730.5 million Euro. Several new actions have been added to this programme, such as the regional Innovation Hubs and the Excellence Networks between universities and research centres. Mr. Sioufas also presented the 14 actions promoted by the Ministry of Development (General Secretariat for Research & Technology, and Special Secretariat for Competitiveness), which support research activities and their link to production.

In addition, as Mr. Sioufas announced, the Geodynamics Institute of the National Observatory of Athens will employ a night shift of seismologists, starting from 1 March 2005. For the time being, the relevant costs will be covered by the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA), until new personnel can be hired for the positions.

In his own comments, Mr. I. Tsoukalas spoke about the publicity and information programme, which aims to increase awareness among researchers, scientists, businesses and the general public for the advances that the OP "COM" has brought in research and technology, as well as for all the achievements anticipated up until 2006. In addition, Mr. Tsoukalas presented the OP "COM" programmes for research and technology that are still open, as well as those that will be announced in the future.

Also present at the press conference were Mr. Spyros Papadopoulos, General Secretary for Industry; Mr. Spyros Efstathopoulos, Special Secretary for Competitiveness; the vice-presidents of the National Research and Technology Council, professors Dimitris Trichopoulos and Christodoulos Stephanadis; Mr. G. Venieris, president of the Expert Committee of the National Competitiveness and Development Council and Dean of the Athens University of Economics and Business; as well as Ministry officials.

As quoted by Mr. S. Efstathopoulos, Special Secretary for Competitiveness, "Over the past year, the implementation of the R&T actions has increased dramatically: from 47.6 million Euro spent from 2001 to 19/03/2004, it rose to 101.5 million Euro for the period up to 31/12/2004. This means that the rate of fund absorption was 24.4% in December 2004, whereas in March 2004 it was only 11.5%". He also pointed out that innovation, which is generally the product of research, is a major element in increasing business productivity. As Mr. Efstathopoulos explained, "We are convinced that the transformation of research results into innovative products and production methods will allow the Greek economy to become competitive, and Greek businesses to increase exports and profitability, with all the associated impact this will have on our standard of living".

In his address, Mr. D. Trichopoulos stressed the fact that "the amount of funds allocated to research is not as important as passion for the research sector, because money can be obtained, but may not lead to the desired result if it is not properly allocated".

The 14 Actions for Research and Technology

• Gradual increase in spending for research and technology, in order to allow the country's research bodies (universities, research centres, private entities) to keep up with the pace of the international community.
• Increased publicity for research programmes, with emphasis on the presentation and dissemination of opportunities for Greek scientists to participate in research projects, at national and international level.
• Implementation of supervised and meritocratic procedures for public tenders and for the evaluation of research and investment programmes.
• Introduction of new incentives for private sector investments into research and technology activities.
• Encouragement for the expansion and improvement of the links between universities and research institutes, as well as the links with foreign institutes.
• Support for excellent performance by researchers and research centres, using incentives and a continuous and reliable evaluation system. Excellence centres such as FORTH, CERTH, the Pasteur and Fleming Institutes and other such centres will be treated in a manner suitable for validly certified excellence in performance.
• Promotion of policies aimed at creating a suitable climate for increased private investment and research and technological co-operations.
• Particular emphasis on state-of-the-art technologies, such as biotechnology and environmental technology, and promotion of innovation in the ecology sector.
• Systematic effort to attract high-quality research staff from abroad.
• Development of a comprehensive plan to promote the link between research, education and the market.
• Promotion of measures aimed at increased support for the activities of small-to-medium sized enterprises, with regard to research and innovation.
• Announcement of vacancies for the position of president - director for the country's research centres.
• A new basis for national representation in all international research and technology organisations.
• Promotion of the required legislation to validate the agreement which makes Greece a member of the European Space Agency.

OP "COM" calls that are still open or will be announced in the future

Open Calls

Action 4.2.2 Development of Research Centres with the Participation of Users. Support for Laboratories Cooperating with Enterprizes and Users of Research - AKMON

Action 4.4.2 Creation of Inter-Museum Networks

Action 8.3.2 "HERON" Programme for Employment of new Research Staff in Businesses

Future Calls

Action 4.1.1 Spin-Offs PRAXE Phase B: Investment Initiation Activities and Launching of Activities

Action 4.3.1 PAVET 2005, "Programme for the Development of Industrial Research and Technology"

Action 4.3.4 Development and Networking of Service Organisations in Issues of Technology Transfer and Innovation (Technology Brokers)

Action 4.4.5 HERMES Programme (Research - Technology - Man) "Open Doors", "Science & Technology Week"

Action 8.3.3 Integration of PhD Researchers from Abroad in Greece's R&T System - "ENTER" Programme