SMEs of Western Macedonia Pave the Way for European Funding
Western Macedonia served as a “Center for Business Development and Innovation” from April 8 to 10, during the activities of the SMART CON EUROPE project meeting.
The University of Western Macedonia is participating in the project as a partner through the MaterLab Laboratory (Prof. Ioannis Bakouros, Dr. Amalia Kouskoura, PhD Candidate Eleni Kalliontzi), along with partners and institutional stakeholders from six countries. The primary aim of this initiative is to substantially enhance the participation of SMEs in European Research and Innovation (R&I) programs.
The Deputy Regional Governor of Kastoria, Mr. Dimitrios Savvopoulos, actively participated and welcomed representatives from Regional and Local Authorities and eight different European organizations in the city of Kastoria.
Project partners presented the tools available in each country and European region that can support their respective SMEs, sharing knowledge, experiences, and initiatives for business and innovation. They also visited local enterprises, including the company Ditsios (https://ditsios.com/) and the Stergiou Estate Winery (https://www.ktimastergiou.gr/), where they engaged with entrepreneurs to better understand their needs and identify opportunities that the SMART CON EUROPE project can highlight and provide. Participants were impressed by the entrepreneurial level of these businesses, which are directly comparable to high-level enterprises in the European Union.
Mr. Savvopoulos stated that the participation of the University of Western Macedonia in the SMART CON EUROPE project is a very important initiative for the region, and that the Region is always supportive and willing to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The Technology Management Laboratory (MATERLab) of the University of Western Macedonia plays an active role in the implementation of the project, with the scientific lead being the Laboratory Director and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Mr. Ioannis Bakouros.
The program coordinator, Ms. Monika Dmitrzak, a representative of the Pomerania Development Agency (Poland), spoke about the excellent collaboration between the program and the Region and emphasized that the creation of a business ecosystem in Western Macedonia will motivate new entrepreneurs to seek proper funding and invest in innovation. Various funding opportunities available in Europe were also discussed.
On April 10, 2025, the conference proceedings moved to the city of Kozani, at the University Campus in the Administration Building. Attending were the Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship and Transportation, Mr. Nikolaos Lissaridis, and the Vice Rectors for Research, Mr. Stergios Maropoulos, and for Internationalization, Outreach & Holistic Welfare, Ms. Eleni Griva. Through their warm greetings, they highlighted the project and the funding opportunities provided by the Region of Western Macedonia for businesses, as well as the targeted research and applied practices of the University of Western Macedonia to boost outward-looking innovation.
The partners acknowledged the need for further cooperation among the businesses of the Western Macedonia Region. There was particular interest in the successful creation and development of university spin-off companies: METAMIND INNOVATIONS, led by Prof. Panagiotis Sarigiannidis; INNORA, led by Prof. Dimitrios Stimoniaris; and RedConsulting, led by Prof. Ioannis Bakouros.
In a future meeting of the project, the best practices that have been implemented will be discussed, while personnel exchanges between the participating countries and businesses are planned in the near future.