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The Industrial Systems Institute (ISI) of the Athena Research Center participated dynamically in the Development Forum 2025, which took place on November 22 and 23 in Patras, reaffirming its active role in shaping public dialogue on innovation, research, and sustainable development in Western Greece. The Forum, an established institution connecting bodies of knowledge, production and entrepreneurship, once again highlighted critical issues related to the digital and green transition.

 

ISI had once again a strong presence in two sessions, showcasing its multidimensional activities in the fields of research, industrial technology, and sustainability. In the first session, titled “The challenge of sustainability and circularity for the enterprises of Western Greece”, held on Saturday, November 22, key dimensions of circularity for modern manufacturing companies in the region were presented. The event was also attended by the Rector of the University of Patras, Professor Christos Bouras.

 

The Director of ISI at the Athena Research Center, Professor Chrysostomos Stylios, presented the “Postgraduate Program in Modern Industrial Systems”, emphasizing that the program aims to create a new generation of professionals with deep technical knowledge, strong strategic capabilities, and problem-solving skills within an extremely demanding and competitive work environment marked by continuous technological advancement.

 

ISI/Athena Research Director Thanasis Kalogeras presented the CRESCENTO project and explained the importance of establishing a specialized postgraduate program in circular economy in the Adriatic–Ionian region, which will be implemented by a consortium of partners from eight countries.

Christos Alexakos, Principal Researcher at ISI/Athena, developed the topic “Skills development needs for the modern industry in circular economy ecosystems”, stressing that the circular economy is a key vehicle for achieving sustainable development, directly linking economic progress with environmental protection and social well-being.

 

Subsequently, Vasilis Thomopoulos, Scientific Associate at ISI/Athena, analyzed the Circular MineTech educational program, which aims to transition to zero-waste raw materials practices, promoting the circular economy in the raw materials sector and integrating VR and Digital Twin technologies into vocational training, while contributing to the strengthening of green and digital skills.

 

Later, Professor Stylios participated in the session “Towards a unified space for Higher Education, Research and Innovation: The Knowledge Ecosystem is Reshaped”, specifically in the section “The perspective of Research Institutions and Industry,” presenting ISI’s role in connecting applied research with the needs of production and the regional economy. The discussion highlighted the importance of synergies between universities, research centers and industry, as well as the need to strengthen technological upgrading and innovation as drivers of development.

 

The session featured contributions from leading representatives of the academic and research community. The presence of Dimitris Serpanos, President of CTI “Diophantus,” added particular interest to the discussion, enriching the reference to critical issues linking higher education, digital technology infrastructures, and research.

 

Through its dynamic participation in the Development Forum 2025, the Industrial Systems Institute of the Athena Research Center showcased the breadth of its work and its contribution to both industrial technology and sustainable development. The Institute continues to serve as a key pillar of technological and operational expertise in Western Greece, promoting high added-value solutions, strengthening the link between research and production, and contributing to the technological and green transformation of enterprises.