Greek minister proclaims “new era of growth and prosperity”
The Industrial Technologies 2014 Conference has officially closed in Athens, with Greece’s Secretary General of Research and Technology calling for a change in Europe’s investment in R&D.
Speaking to delegates at the Athens International Conference Centre Megaron, Christos Vasilakos said it was now time to “transform Europe into an innovative friendly environment” with a “new era of economic development” and a “new era of growth and prosperity.” The minister also cited the importance of negotiations regarding the Euro-Mediterranean co-operation on research and innovation. Discussions began earlier this year during the Competitiveness Council under the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Vasilakos also spoke about the importance of strengthening the European Research Area, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year as well as Greece’s plan for research and innovation. The new national strategy is closely aligned with the priorities of Horizon 2020, a point welcomed by Clara de la Torre, director of the Key Enabling Technologies Directorate in the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission. Speaking in the final plenary session, De la Torre told delegates that “there was no alternative than to invest in research and development”.
The Industrial Technologies Conference was held over three days in the Greek capital with 1,000 delegates attending. A special feature on the conference will be available in the next edition of ‘Portal,’ due to be published in July.
