N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE “Greek experiences in using Structural funds for regional development” Conference "Research and Innovation - an Opportunity for Convergence Regions” Warsaw, 13 February 2006

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Issues addressed Lessons learned by : the management of the Structural Funds The way that these funds were used for research and innovation purposes The experience of 25 years of Greek membership in 12 minutes !

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Historical review of CSF, in Greece 1 st CSF: ,2 bil. ECU Sectoral OP+13 Regional OP Natural Gas Electricity Major road network Telecommunications Research and Technology Industrial Areas Railways Agricultural Structures 13 Regional OP 2 nd CSF : bil. ECU Sectoral OP+13 Regional OP Roads, Ports and Airports, Rail Transport, Telecommunications Energy Natural Gas Urban Development Healthcare and Welfare Environmental Protection Industry and Services Research and Technology Tourism-Culture Agriculture and Fishery Human Resource Employment 13 Regional OP 3rd CSF : ,7 bil. euros Sectoral OP+13 Regional OP Training and initial Professional instruction Employment &Professional training Roads, Ports, Urban Development Rail Transport, Airports, Transports Competitiveness Agricultural Development Fishery Environment Culture Health and welfare Information Society 13 Regional OP

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE The Greek approach 1. Main initial target: Infrastructure Transport, schools, hospitals etc, ex.: highways, Athens metro Results   Life quality improvement   Athens became a metropolis of high quality European standards   High economic growth (4,7%)   New investments expected in future 2. Evolution of Greek national priorities "Lisbonised" priorities This is reflected :  in the revision of the current 3rd CSF and  the planning of the future 4th CSF

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Research and Innovation through CSFs 1 st CSF ( ) Target: Infrastructure establishment of a first integrated and country-wide network of Science and Technology parks. 7 Parks and Incubators established by Universities and other public research institutes Successful cases: Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH) in Crete Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) in Thessaloniki 2 nd CSF ( ) A broader approach of R&D infrastructure projects new targets, such as : bringing labs and companies closer for innovative products investing in technology transfer projects investing in human resources

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Research and Innovation through CSFs 3 rd CSF ( ) Lisbon (2000) and Barcelona (2002) targets Creation of the appropriate environment for new technologies and for the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship. A new Operational Programme dedicated to “Competitiveness” with priorities to: involvement of the private sector involvement of companies cooperation and scientists' mobility projects improvement of the entrepreneurial environment technological research and innovation investment in knowledge- intensive sectors.

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Lessons learned Problems too many scattered projects too many scattered projects immaturity, inconsistency and low quality of projects immaturity, inconsistency and low quality of projects weaknesses in implementation bodies weaknesses in implementation bodies a lack of procedures and legal frame a lack of procedures and legal frame the absence of the private sector the absence of the private sector bureaucracy bureaucracy a huge number of beneficiaries a huge number of beneficiaries Problems for R&D and Innovation in regions Too little investment by Regional Operational Programmes to relevant priorities Too little investment by Regional Operational Programmes to relevant priorities limited experience of the regional administrations limited experience of the regional administrations poor understanding of the great importance of such activities for a region poor understanding of the great importance of such activities for a region

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Lessons-Best Practices for R&D and Innovation in Regions “Training" of regional authorities / making them aware of the benefits Final beneficiaries : better prepared Dissemination of results and evaluation of the spill-over impact at all levels of economic activity Introduction of quantitative targets in regional R&D and innovation policies More support for SMEs (backbone of the Greek economy) Fostering of public-private partnerships (right legal framework)

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Lessons-Best Practices for R&D and Innovation in Regions (cont) A successful example / a good practice funded by 3 rd CSF: programme ELEFTHO for private actors in S&T Parks and Incubators. Particular emphasis on creating regional Innovation Poles spread evenly around the country. 2 examples in the area of Thessaloniki Innovation Zone and Innovation Pole of Thessaloniki Aim: to involve Universities, research centers, and other knowledge parties of the area Thessaloniki : international center of innovation Technopolis Project, to promote ICT 6 social and educational bodies 71 information-technology companies and individuals

N.Vakalis, MEP, ITRE Conclusion Let’s not “skimp on” investment in research and innovation. These are strong economic drivers. “In today’s European environment the winner is the one who has the biggest dynamic in innovation and a dominant position in the market”