George Pavlidis Moderator of Discussion on the Role of Open Data in Innovation and Sustainable Development
Dr. George Pavlidis, Research Director at the Athena Research Center and Head of the Center’s presence and activities in Xanthi, participated as moderator in the panel titled “Open Data as a Catalyst for Innovation and Sustainable Development”, within the framework of the transnational meeting of the OD4GROWTH project, held on October 9, 2025, at the Prefecture Building of Alexandroupolis.
The discussion, attended by representatives from regional and municipal authorities across the European Union, the academic community, and the business ecosystem, highlighted the value of Open Data as a driver of growth — providing measurable benefits, improved services, and new solutions for the local economy, while also enhancing transparency and creating new opportunities for innovation.
In the panel moderated by Dr. Pavlidis, participants discussed practical examples of data utilization at local and European levels, the need for high-quality, interoperable, and machine-readable data, as well as ways in which open data policies can be linked to real city services — from environmental monitoring to improving citizens’ daily lives.
Dr. Pavlidis emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public sector, research organizations, and businesses, stressing that data can serve as a “bridge” between innovation and sustainable development, provided that they are supported by clear institutional frameworks, education, and active communities of practice.
The event was part of the activities of the OD4GROWTH project, which aims to create regional data ecosystems, promoting transparency, participatory governance, and the development of new services for citizens and businesses.