HETiA Participates in STEP Conference on Strategic Technologies, January 10, 2025
Agia Paraskevi, 12.01.2025
The STEP Conference, titled “National Opportunity for Development and Production of Critical Technologies“, took place on January 10, 2025, at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens. The event, organized by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, brought together key policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss Greece’s role in fostering innovation and strategic technological advancements.
Dr. Emmanuel Zervakis, President of the Hellenic Emerging Technologies Industry Association (HETiA), actively participated in the roundtable discussion “Opportunities for Development and Skills Enhancement in STEP Sectors”. The session featured esteemed panelists, including representatives from European institutions, investment bodies, and academia, highlighting Greece’s potential to enhance its capabilities in critical technology sectors.
(Panel titled ” Opportunities for Development and Skills Enhancement in STEP Sectors “)
During his remarks, Dr. Zervakis emphasized the importance of investing in research and innovation to strengthen Greece’s position within the European technological ecosystem. He underscored the necessity for strategic funding, industry collaboration, and talent development to bridge the gap between research and industrial application, ensuring Greece remains competitive in emerging technological fields.
The panel discussion included key industry leaders:
- Eudokia Agalianou, DG Budget, STEP Task Force
- Spyros Protopsaltis, Governor, Greek Public Employment Service (DYPA)
- Dora Oikonomou, Director of Human Resource Development, SEV
- Ismini Papakyrillou, CEO, Hellenic Development Bank (HDB)
- Athanasios Zisis, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, NTUA
(Panel titled ” Opportunities for Development and Skills Enhancement in STEP Sectors “)
During the session, Dr. Zervakis emphasized the significance of the Delphi Economic Forum IX Annual Meeting as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation. He underscored the opportunities that Greece holds in the chips market, highlighting the country’s potential to emerge as a key player in this rapidly evolving industry.
The conversation centered around Greece’s capability to develop cutting-edge technologies, the need for skilled professionals, and the ways public and private sector collaboration can drive technological progress.
(Panel titled ” Opportunities for Development and Skills Enhancement in STEP Sectors “)
The STEP Conference provided a platform for high-level discussions on the country’s role in the European strategic technology landscape, reinforcing the significance of investment in innovation, infrastructure, and skills development.
(STEP conference, 9-10/01/2025″)
About the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)
Launched on March 1, 2024, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is a specialized initiative aimed at supporting the development and production of critical technologies within the European Union. STEP focuses on reducing strategic dependencies, enhancing industrial growth, and addressing workforce and skill shortages in key sectors. It provides combined funding opportunities for innovative technological solutions, fostering the creation of European value chains. Key areas of support include digital and advanced technologies, clean and resource-efficient solutions, and biotechnologies. By investing in these areas, STEP aims to bolster the EU’s long-term competitiveness and resilience.
