1. EVITA Project - Contract No 0226R1 “Exchange, Valorisation and Transfer of regional best policy measures for SME support on IT and e-business adoption” Presentation-Expectations of South Aegean Region Christos Diamantopoulos, Special Advisor of the Secretary General of South Aegean Region EVITA Kick-off Meeting, Athens, 8-9 December 2008 SOUTH AEGEAN REGION EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008

2. Location SOUTH AEGEAN REGION EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008 Total area : 5.286 square kilometers Consisting of the Departments of Cyclades and Dodecanese (48 islands) Seat : Ermoupolis (Syros)

3. The region has significant advantages and disadvantages… SOUTH AEGEAN REGION EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008 Advantages : Natural beauty Population strength Growing sectors of economic activity Development of tertiary sector (particularly tourism) and many more… Disadvantages: Geographical situation Insular character of the region Insufficient intra-regional connection Insufficient connection to continental system (capital)

4. Consequently: Major problems of isolation facing the residents of southern Aegean islands New business initiatives are not encouraged Further economic growth of the region is limited In addition there two major challenges : Constantly changing international environment Need for sustainable development EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008 SOUTH AEGEAN REGION

5. South Aegean Region brings to EVITA project : 1) Experiences : Go-online initiative INNO project “Innovative New Enterprises for Tourism – Young Entrepreneurs “ EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008 SOUTH AEGEAN REGION

6. South Aegean Region brings also to EVITA project : 2) Two noteworthy tools : 1) a distance-learning advisory system for any potential and existing entrepreneur who wants to be informed but also to be trained in setting up a business as well as 2) an interactive web platform which was drawn in order to help unemployed entrepreneurs / beneficiaries of the INNO project (regardless of educational level) in the management of (tourism) enterprises and in the development of e-skills and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008 SOUTH AEGEAN REGION

7. EVITA Project for South Aegean Region : A further step for the development of the promising field of entrepreneurship An opportunity to exchange experiences and know-how with partners/policy-makers/stakeholders so that enterprises in the Southern Aegean region become even more competitive and productive EVITA Kick-off Meeting Athens Athens, 8-9 December 2008 SOUTH AEGEAN REGION

8. Thank you for your attention