Press Release
Event "Science Agora: Driving innovation for society"
Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, 16.00-19.00
Central Amphitheater, NCSR Demokritos
The event hosted by Science Agora, Innovation to Society, entitled "Science Agora: Developing innovation for Society" on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023at the Amphitheater of the NCSR Demokritos.
The goal of this event was to present the impact of the Science Agora Hub's actions during its two years of operation, illustrate how it has contributed to the commercialization of research and the development of innovation for society, and highlight the key role that technology transfer hubs can play in the Greek innovation ecosystem.
The discussion was opened by the heads of the organizations that constitute Science Agora:
Dr. Georgios Nounesis, President, NCSR "Demokritos," stated: "We are proud of the Science Agora partnership and believe in its bright future. Approximately 80% of research outcomes in Greece are currently produced in public organizations, universities, and research centers. The effective and successful transfer of technology to society is exceptionally important, and Science Agora is a unique tool for attracting international capital into emerging cutting-edge technologies and, of course, for creating wealth for the research institutions themselves, their people, and Greek society."
Prof. Dimitris Bourantonis, Rector, AUEB, emphasized: "It is our shared conviction that the Science Agora partnership yields multiplier effects in the efforts made by the individual organizations toward the business commercialization of research and innovation. This involves leveraging the intellectual capital of the Greek scientific community, channeling high-value new products and services into the market, and providing incentives for researchers and young scientists to remain and return a significant portion of the value spent on education and research back to society."
Prof. Andreas Boudouvis, Rector, NTUA,noted: "The journey of the Science Agora Hub, since its establishment two years ago, has been substantive and productive in connecting research and industry and accelerating technology transfer for innovation development. I express sincere thanks to the administrations and executives of the collaborating institutions for their hard work, enthusiasm, and focus. A basic pursuit of the Hub is its sustainability, which is judged by the achievement of competitive results and requires support from the wider community of every participating university and research body. The creation of mixed action teams from the participating organizations is a significant requirement based on the Hub's founding vision. The change of leadership at the top level of NTUA will not affect the Institution's commitment to the development of Science Agora."
Prof. Yiannis Emiris, President, ATHENA Research Center,said, among other points: "Science Agora is a partnership of research centers and universities, and it is an experiment that demonstrates that researchers and professors can work together. Synergies are a primary goal of Science Agora, and they are what we want to see more of in the future. Science Agora is one of the largest technology transfer partnerships, and we have a responsibility to the Greek ecosystem to proceed successfully and largely stand on our own feet. The experiment is to transfer the country’s international-level scientific and technological excellence to the level of innovation. Finally, we would like to see joint results from the organizations comprising Science Agora in the near future."
Prof. Em. Ioannis Vasiliou, former Chairman of the Board – Director, ICCS,stated: "There is an excellent team of people supporting the efforts of our organizations' administrations. Science Agora is a strong vehicle for achieving the successes we deserve, because the research conducted in Greece is of a very high standard."
The opening session was moderated by Mr. Christos Vaitsis, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at the ATHENA Research Center.
Executives from the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) and the Managing Authority of EPAnEK-ESPA presented the progress of actions related to the creation and operation of Technology Transfer Structures within research and academic bodies. Additionally, the Special Secretariat for Long-term Planning ‘Foresight’ presented the impact of innovation on society, with an emphasis on Generations Z and A.
More specifically, Mr. Vassilis Gongolidis, Head of the Innovation Actions Planning Department, Directorate of Research & Innovation Planning & Programming, GSRI, Ministry of Development, analyzed the commercial utilization of scientific knowledge, highlighting the current situation in Greece and the European experience
Ms. Eleni Papadopoulou, Executive, Unit B1, Managing Authority of the "Competitiveness" Program, presented the support for Technology Transfer offered by the "Competitiveness" Program.
Mr. Yiannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Long-term Planning in the Presidency of the Hellenic Government, provided an update on the rapid social transformation and the role of innovation within it.
During the event, distinguished speakers and experts emphasized how the successful connection between research and industry can strengthen and accelerate technology transfer for the development of innovations that benefit society and citizens.
In the Science Agora Activities Presentation session Assoc. Professor Angelos Tsakanikas, Scientific Coordinator of the Technology Transfer Office at NTUA, analyzed Technology Transfer in practice: action and impact.
Ms. Sofia Magkia, Head of the Innovation Office, NCSR "Demokritos," spoke about best practices and organizational structure.
Ms. Lila Despotidou, Innovation Commercialization & Business Development, ACEin AUEB, provided a clear vision for the future of the Hub.
This was followed by the discussion: "Interconnection with Industry – Existing Experience and Expectations," featuring excellent guests:
- Yiannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Long-term Planning in the Presidency of the Hellenic Government
- George Stavropoulos, Scientific Affairs Manager, KORRES
- Kostas Kefalakis, Chief Transformation Officer, Roche Hellas
- Aristeidis Lalos, Research Director at the Industrial Systems Institute of the ATHENA Research Center and CSO of the spin-off "Avisense," ATHENA Research Center
The discussion was coordinated by Professor Katerina Pramatari, Scientific Coordinator, ACEin AUEB.
The event concluded with the "Vision for the Day After" presented by Professor Katerina Pramatari, Scientific Coordinator, ACEin AUEB.
About Science Agora, Innovation to Society
The SCIENCE AGORA Technology Transfer Hub is a strong partnership of four top academic and research institutions based in Athens (NCSR Demokritos, ACE - Athens University of Economics and Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, National Technical University of Athens, ATHENA Research Center), aiming to mutually strengthen the technology transfer and business acceleration activities delivered within the respective entities.
For more information about Science Agora, you can contact the organizing committee at the email [email protected]
