South East offering Innovation and funding Opportunities

EIT Manufacturing South participated at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) 2024, which took place from 7 to 15 September. The event, one of the largest and most influential in Southeastern Europe, served as an excellent platform for EIT Manufacturing South to highlight its commitment to driving innovation, supporting the manufacturing ecosystem and strengthening collaborations in the region.

As part of its participation, EIT Manufacturing South set up a booth where its team engaged with both current and prospective partners. The fair provided a touch base to discuss ongoing projects, explore new opportunities for collaboration and identify potential areas of growth for European and regional manufacturing industries. Several potential partners expressed interest in joining the EIT Manufacturing network, opening doors for future partnerships and collaborations to foster innovation in manufacturing.

The event also served as a hub for connecting with companies interested in EIT Manufacturing’s diverse offerings, including its innovation-driven initiatives, support for startups and education (upskilling / reskilling) programs. These interactions paved the way for meaningful discussions about how EIT Manufacturing South East can play a key role in shaping the future of the industry, both within Greece and across Europe.

As a highlight, Dr Niki Kousi, Managing Director of EIT Manufacturing South East spoke in a highly anticipated panel discussion called “Innovation and Extroversion in Greek Enterprises: Challenges and Opportunities”. This panel, organized by the Ministry of Finance, brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of Greek businesses in the global economy.

Dr. Kousi highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in the manufacturing sector, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration and the adoption of new technologies. She also underlined the opportunities available for Greek enterprises to expand their presence internationally, leveraging platforms like EIT Manufacturing to gain access to advanced knowledge, technological expertise, and networking opportunities across Europe.

As EIT Manufacturing South continues to work towards empowering manufacturers through innovation and collaboration, the discussions and connections established at TIF 2024 will undoubtedly fuel future projects and initiatives, helping to shape the future of the manufacturing industry in Greece and beyond.