Science Agora: Developing Innovation for Society Event
13-11-2023
On Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, at the NCSR Demokritos Central Amphitheatre took place the event of the Science Agora Technology Transfer Hub, Innovation to Society, entitled "Science Agora: Developing innovation for society". In a creative atmosphere, the event had a very wide participation.
The aim of this event is to highlight the impact of the actions of the Science Agora Hub during the 2 years of its operation, the ways it has contributed to the utilization of research and the development of innovation for society, as well as the key role that technology transport hubs can play in the Greek innovation ecosystem.
The heads of the organizations that make up the Science Agora initiated the discussion:
Dr. Georgios Nounesis, Director of NCSR Demokritos, stated among other things: "We are proud of the Science Agora partnership and we believe in its bright future. About 80% of research results in Greece are currently produced in public organizations, universities and research centers. The efficient and successful transfer of technology to society is extremely important and Science Agora constitutes a unique tool to attract international capital to emerging cutting-edge technologies and of course to create wealth for the research institutions themselves, their personel and Greek society."
Prof. Dimitrios Bourantonis, Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business stressed: "We are all convinced that the partnership in Science Agora brings multiplying results to the efforts made by the individual agencies concerning business exploitation of research and innovation. We aim at exploiting the intellectual capital of the Greek scientific community, channeling of new high-value products and services to the market, motivating researchers and young scientists to stay and return to society a large part of the value spent on education and research. ».
Professor Andreas G. Boudouvis, Rector of the National Thectical University of Athens, pointed out: "Since its establishment two years ago until now the Science Agora Hub has been working towards connecting research and industry and accelerating technology transfer for the development of innovation. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the administrations and executives of the partner institutions for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. Sustainability based on the achievement of competitive results remains the principal pursuit of the Hub that requires the support of the wider community of each participating university and research institution. It is also very important for us to create mixed action groups of all the participating institutions. The change of leadership of NTUA will not affect the Institution’s commitment to the development of Science Agora."
Prof. Ioannis Emiris, Director of Athena Research Center, stated the following: "Science Agora is a partnership among research centers and universities, and it is an experiment that proves the possibility of collaboration among researchers and university professors. Science Agora aims at synergies, and we need to pursue this goral in the future. Science Agora is one of the largest technology transfer partnerships, and it is our responsibility towards the Greek ecosystem to move forward and to stand on our own. It is an experiment for us to transfer the country's international scientific and technological excellence to the level of innovation. Finally, we would like to see joint results of the entities that make up Science Agora in the future".
Prof. Emeritus Ioannis Vassiliou, former-Chairman of the Board of Directors - Director of ICCS, said: "There is a very effective group of people who support the efforts of the administrations of our organizations. Science Agora is an effective organization that can achieve the results we deserve, because the research carried out in Greece is of a very high quality".
The coordination of the event was undertaken by Mr. Christos Vaitsis, Head of the Technology Transfer Office of Athena Research Center.
Executives of GSRI and the Administrative Authority EPANEK-ESPA presented the current actions regarding the establishment and operation of Technology Transfer Structures in research and academic institutions, while the Special Secretariat of 'Foresight' presented the impact of innovation on society with an emphasis on generations Z and A.
More specifically, Mr. Vassilis Goggolidis, Head of Dept. of Innovation Action Planning, Directorate of Research & Innovation Planning & Programming GSRI, Ministry of Development, analyzed the commercial exploitation of scientific knowledge, emphasizing the current situation in Greece and the European experience.
Mrs. Eleni Papadopoulou, Executive of Unit B1 EYD of the "Competitiveness" Program, presented how the "Competitiveness" program is working towards strengthening Technology Transfer.
Mr. Yannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Long-Term Planning at the Presidency of the Greek Government, informed about the rapid social transformation and the role of Innovation in it.
Outstanding speakers and experts reported on how the successful interface of research with industry can enhance and accelerate technology transfer to develop innovations for the benefit of society and citizens.
At the Science Agora Activities Presentation, Associate Professor Angelos Tsakanikas, Scientific Head of the Technology Transfer Office at NTUA, analyzed Technology Transfer in practice: action and impact.
Mrs. Sofia Maggia, Head of Innovation Office, NCSR Demokritos, spoke about good practices and organizational structure.
Ms. Lila Despotidou, Innovation Commercialization & Business Development, ACEin OPA gave us a clear picture of the future of the Hub.
At the Discussion on: Interfacing with Industry - Existing Experience and Expectations the outstanding guests participated:
● Yannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Long-Term Planning at the Presidency of the Greek Government
● Giorgos Stavropoulos, Scientific Affairs Manager, KORRES
● Kostas Kefalakis, Chief Transformation Officer, Roche Hellas
● Aristides Lalos, Research Director at the Industrial Systems Institute of Athena Research Center and CEO of "Avisense", Athena Research Center’s spin off
The event concluded with the Vision for the Next Day by Professor Katerina Pramatari, Scientific Officer, ACEin OPA.
About Science Agora, Innovation To Society:
The SCIENCE AGORA Technology Transfer Hub is a steady cooperation network for enhancing the technology transfer of the largest research and academic bodies based in Athens. It is a partnership of five top Institutions (NCSR Demokritos, ACEin - Athens University of Economics and Business Entrepreneurship Center, National Technical University of Athens, ATHENA Research Center and Research University Institute of Communication & Computer Systems) aiming to mutually strengthen the technology transfer activity and business acceleration produced within the respective entities.
For more information about Science Agora, contact the organizing committee at info@scienceagora.eu