Minister of Development Takis Theodorikacos announced the inclusion of funding for the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation in the Sectoral Development Programme for 2026-2030. He made the announcement during a meeting with foundation plenary president Dimitris Vergados, scientific council president Georgia Andreou, and foundation director Giorgos Karydakis. Secretary General for Research and Innovation Dimitris Terzis also attended.
The Ministry of Development said the decision forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen research and innovation. The strategy focuses on using scientific knowledge, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and creating growth opportunities through transparent processes and evaluation.
Following the meeting, Theodorikacos said the government is supporting research, innovation, and researchers through concrete planning and decisive action. He stated the plan aims to foster productive economic transformation, enhance productivity and competitiveness, and reinforce social cohesion by incorporating the foundation into the development programme.
Digital repository and innovation centres
Theodorikacos said specific details of the programme will be outlined in close collaboration with the foundation leadership. He noted that the objective is for research funding to yield tangible results ensured by transparency and rigorous evaluation.
An immediate priority under the plan will be establishing a national digital repository for research output. Theodorikacos stated that the repository aims to improve the utilization and dissemination of research findings across the country.
The ministry is also dedicated to creating flagship centres of excellence and innovation through partnerships between universities, research institutes, and businesses. Theodorikacos said these partnerships aim to produce innovative products and services with social and economic impact while maintaining global competitiveness.
