“Promoting collaborations between the university and national authorities is the only way to bridge the science-policy gap and to implement sustainable solutions that promote growth and resilience.”

On Friday, November 15, 2024, Professor Chrysi Lapsidou, the Vice-Rector of Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance of the University of Thessaly, convened with the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, at the GAIOPOLIS Campus in Larissa during the Minister’s visit to Thessaly, along with the Rector of the University of Thessaly, Charalambos Billinis who extended a warm welcome to the Minister.

During the meeting, participants engaged in a discussion regarding the infrastructural and substantive development of the University of Thessaly across the five cities, with particular attention given to areas impacted by natural disasters. An analysis of experimental programs conducted by the University was undertaken, and the dialogue centered on development opportunities through innovative practices. Additionally, the necessity of fortifying the agri-food sector in Greece was highlighted, along with the potential for strategic investments in the region, accompanied by the provision of incentives.

The University of Thessaly, through its representatives, articulated its commitment to enhancing the productive transformation of the Greek economy. Concurrently, Minister Theodorikakos conveyed his intention to offer practical support for this initiative focused on innovation, underscoring that a fundamental requirement for the significant development of Greece is the support of production.

The meeting also included the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Issues, and Quality Assurance, Professor Ioannis Anagnostopoulos, as well as Ilias Palaiohorlidis, the Head of the Larissa Branch of the ELKE at the University of Thessaly. The Minister of Development was accompanied by Christos Kapetanos, the ND Member of Parliament for Larissa, and Ilias Souflias, the President of the DEEP of New Democracy in Larissa.