The Centre for the development of the South-East planning region organized a study trip to Thessaloniki, Greece, with aim of getting to know the opportunities for studying, opening businesses, networking and achieving cooperation in the cross-border region. The Study Trip was organized in the period from December 14 to 16, 2022, in which 19 young people, current and future entrepreneurs from the South-Еast region participated.
During the three-day Study Trip, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Alexandria Innovation Zone, the Research Institute at the University of Macedonia, the independent Directorate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support of the Central Macedonia Region, the Center for Research and Technology – CERTH, the American Farm School, the Center for organizing exhibitions, congresses and cultural events in Greece – HELEXPO, Start up hub Ok!Thess and the International Hellenic University.
The first day of the Study Trip was planned for a visit of the Alexandria Innovation Zone, where Mr. Costas Tramatsas, through a presentation and discussion with the participants, introduced them to the work and goals of the Innovation Zone, but also through a mutual discussion advised the participants how to better develop and present their business ideas and plans to the potential investors, how to build their business and how to improve it at the same time according to the needs of the market.
Later that day, the participants also visited the University of Macedonia, which is considered one of the most successful Universities in Greece, where Mr. George Siakas with great enthusiasm and desire presented the University as well as the Research Institute that functions within its framework. The participants had the opportunity to visit the premises of the University and get acquainted with the educational programs it offers.
The second day of the Study Trip began with a visit to the premises of the Region of Central Macedonia, where Mr. Kostas Mihailidis, through a presentation and discussion with young entrepreneurs, introduced them to the history, work and opportunities offered by this institution, its goals and obligations in the Central Region Macedonia in Greece.
During the visit of the Research and Technology Center – CERTH, the participants were welcomed by Dr. Nikos Katsiadakis and through a visit to the premises, a presentation and a conversation with the participants, they got acquainted with the work of this institute as well as with the achievements and research so far in the field of ecology, innovation and technological development, cooperation with various institutions and other research centers in the country and abroad. The Center also expressed a great desire for the implementation of joint projects with the Centre for the Development of the South-East Planning Region.
The group of participants also visited the American Farm School, which is a non-profit educational institution, founded in 1904, opened for the purpose of educating students from Greece, but also from the countries of the Balkans. This school offers the possibility of residence and education of children from preschool age to education of students, in the field of agriculture, food industry, conservation of natural resources, as well as in the production of domestic products such as milk, eggs, etc. with the help of modern and ecological technology. In addition to education, this school sells its products on campus, but also outside it, and this helps students gain experience and knowledge in the promotion and sale of their products.
At the end of the day, Mrs. Vicki Dalkrani, during a visit to HELEXPO – the Center for organizing exhibitions, congresses and cultural events in Greece, shared information about the fairs and events held throughout the year, which are of interest to visitors.
The last day of the Study Trip was reserved for a visit to the leading startup hub in Thessaloniki – OK!THESS, which aims to develop the local innovation ecosystem and help entrepreneurs bring their innovative ideas to the market. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to reach this goal through an acceleration program that includes training, coaching, fellowship with mentors and access to capital. This startup hub and its possibilities were presented to the participants by Mr. Antonio Silias.
We rounded off the study trip with a visit to the International Hellenic University, which offers programs taught exclusively in English. As a state university, all degrees awarded are accredited by the Government and are recognized in the European Union and internationally. UCIPS aims to develop itself as one of the foremost research institutions in Europe, attracting an already strong international academic staff and outstanding students from various countries around the world. By creating, communicating and applying knowledge, the university aims to inspire every member of its community and educate future leaders. The work, successes and faculties of social and natural sciences at this university were presented to the participants by Prof. Eli Vlahopolou.
After completing this study trip, the participants pointed out that they were very satisfied with the locations they visited, but also with the shared experiences and knowledge by the hosts of these institutes, universities and other institutions. In addition to the fact that this trip had an educational character, it allowed the participants to communicate with each other, to make friends, but also to expand their horizons in order to create a better and more successful future.
This activity was implemented through the project “Business ecosystem as an integrated system – BE IN” financed through the Interreg IPA Programme for Cross-border cooperation with Greece.
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