What is the Smart Specialisation Strategy?

Smart Specialization Strategy It is the development strategy of EU Member States or their regions, focusing on the utilisation of Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) outcomes by the productive sectors in which the country or region has, or can develop, a competitive advantage.

Given the interconnection between the various sectors, in the new programming period, Smart Specialisation focuses on those sectoral activities which, by drawing on the knowledge of the business and research communities, can produce competitive, high value-added products capable of being integrated into international value chains.

What is the philosophy of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3)?

The philosophy of the Smart Specialisation Strategy is to integrate research and innovation results into the productive sectors in which a region already has a competitive advantage, or into new sectors in which it can develop one, in order to achieve sustainable growth.

It is based on the cooperation of all stakeholders that create added value in the economy and is clearly reflected in the quadruple helix model, which includes local government bodies, businesses, various research organisations, such as academic or research centres, as well as civil society.

What is the Quadruple Helix in the RIS3 Strategy?

The Quadruple Helix is the term used within the framework of the Smart Specialisation Strategy to refer to the four categories into which the stakeholders participating in the innovation system of each region fall. These categories are:

  • Research Community (academic institutions, research centres, etc.)

  • Businesses

  • Public Sector (first- and second-level local government)

  • Civil Society

Each of these is represented and supported within the governance system of Smart Specialisation.

What is the “Governance System of Smart Specialisation” in Western Macedonia?

In the Region of Western Macedonia, the Smart Specialisation governance system is shaped by all those involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of the Smart Specialisation Strategy. More specifically, it includes the participants in the quadruple helix of the innovation system, the RIS Structure of the Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia, the Regional Research and Innovation Council, the Managing Authority of the Western Macedonia Regional Programme, and, in a strategic role, the Regional Council and the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia.

What is the Regional Research and Innovation Council?

The Regional Research and Innovation Council (PSEK) was established within the framework of implementing the Smart Specialisation Strategy in each region, as a body supporting development actions in research, technological development and innovation (RTDI).

In the Region of Western Macedonia, it consists of 11 members, 6 of whom are university professors and researchers from research centres supervised by the Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, while the remaining 5 come from professional chambers and scientific associations, cultural organisations, local government and the region’s productive bodies.

What stakeholders make up the innovation ecosystem?

The innovation ecosystem is the result of cooperation between three key factors:

  1. research organisations,
  2. industrial enterprises,
  3. start-ups.

Which are the most important bodies implementing RTDI actions in Western Macedonia?

In the Region of Western Macedonia, the core structures and bodies for Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) are the following:

  • University of Western Macedonia (which has been merged with the Technological Educational Institute of Western Macedonia),
  • CPERI – Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CERTH),

Other bodies active in Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) include:

  • DIADYMA S.A. – Waste Management of Western Macedonia S.A.,
  • CEPE – Centre for the Environment,
  • HSGME & PPC S.A.

Other bodies active in Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) include:

  • Technical Chamber of Greece / Western Macedonia Section
  • Economic Chamber of Western Macedonia
  • Geotechnical Chamber of Western Macedonia
  • Kozani Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Grevena Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Kastoria Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Florina Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia (RDF)
  • Enterprise Europe Network – Hellas (Euro Info Centre)
  • ΑΝ.ΚΟ. Α.Ε
  • ΑΝ.ΚΑΣ. Α.Ε.
  • Development Agency of the Municipality of Kozani
  • Clube (Cluster Βιο-οικονομίας και περιβάλλοντος Δυτικής Μακεδονίας)
  • Special Managing Authority of the Operational Programme of the Region of Western Macedonia
  • General Directorate for Environment and Infrastructure of the Region of Western Macedonia
  • RIS Support Structure / Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia

What are the priority areas for Smart Specialisation in Western Macedonia?

In the Region of Western Macedonia, within the framework of the RIS3 Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021–2027, the following priority areas were included:

  • Agri-food Chain

    • Sustainable Energy

      • Fur

        • Environment and Circular Economy

          • Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries

            • Digital Technologies

              The indicative Intervention Areas and Priorities per Sector, as proposed in September 2021 and aligned with the priorities of the National RIS3, are presented in the tables below:  RIS3-ΠΔΜ_ΠΡΟΤΕΡΑΙΟΤΗΤΕΣ 2ο ΠΕΔΙΟ_2021.