Greek Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos has included funding for the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation in the Ministry of Development's Sectoral Development Programme for the 2026 to 2030 four-year period. The minister announced the decision following a meeting in Athens with senior foundation executives and state research officials.
The meeting brought together Theodorikakos, the president of the general assembly of the foundation Dimitris Vergados, scientific council president Georgia Andreou, and foundation director Giorgos Karydakis. Secretary General for Research and Innovation Dimitris Terzis also attended the discussions.
The Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation, known as ELIDEK, serves as Greece's primary public body for funding academic and scientific research. Based in Athens, the institution provides financial support to university faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and doctoral candidates across the country. Sectoral Development Programmes are structured state investment tools used by Greek ministries to plan public expenditure and manage multi-year development projects.
According to the ministry, the decision forms part of a broader national plan to strengthen research and innovation across Greece. The initiative focuses on putting scientific knowledge to practical use, establishing links with production, and opening new avenues for economic growth through transparent procedures and project evaluation.
Priority areas and national repository
Speaking after the meeting, Theodorikakos said the government supports research, innovation, and researchers through concrete actions and planning. He said the strategy aims to transform the productive base of the economy, increase national productivity and competitiveness, and strengthen social cohesion.
Theodorikakos stated that the full planning for the foundation is being integrated into the ministry's four-year development framework for 2026 to 2030. He noted that specific planning details will be finalized in collaboration with the foundation's board, adding that the government wants research funds to yield measurable results with full transparency and evaluation.
The minister highlighted two immediate priorities under the new framework. The first is the creation of a digital national repository to record research output and promote its wider dissemination. The second priority is the establishment of flagship centers of excellence and innovation through partnerships linking universities, research institutes, and private businesses.
Greek development policy has increasingly targeted public-private scientific partnerships to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial industry. Theodorikakos, who previously held cabinet posts as minister of interior and minister of citizen protection, took over the development portfolio to oversee market regulation, investment growth, and state development strategy.
Theodorikakos said the ultimate goal of the initiative is for research to generate innovative products and services that deliver a significant impact on the economy and society while remaining competitive in international markets.
