The Department of Business Development, Innovation & Investor Information of the Directorate of Development Programming of the Region of Thessaly has been designated as the competent body for the management and monitoring of the Regional Smart Specialisation Strategy of Thessaly 2021-2027 (Government Gazette 2078/B/2024). Within the framework of these responsibilities, it has established the Mechanism for monitoring, supporting, informing and connecting businesses with research bodies to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Thessaly (hereinafter referred to as the «Mechanism»).
The Mechanism is funded by the Thessaly Programme 2021-2027, and its objectives are as follows:
From September 2025 and for a period of 24 months, the Mechanism is technically supported by the joint venture of Innovatia Systems and The Factory IKE, with the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development as a subcontractor.
Innovatia Systems is a Greek consulting firm with an international outlook, operating in the provision of comprehensive services in the fields of design, development and management of information and technological systems. With innovation management, project management and strategic management as its main pillars of action, Innovatia Systems has many years of experience in the strategy, design and evaluation of smart specialisation policies at national and regional level. Since 2013, it has contributed decisively to the formulation of RIS3 strategies in many Greek regions, while working closely with the European Commission's Directorate-General Joint Research Centre to support regions throughout the EU and in enlargement countries. It carried out the ex-post evaluation of the 13 regional smart specialisation strategies for the 2014-2020 period, which was awarded by the Hellenic Evaluation Society as the most impactful evaluation of the 2014-2020 Partnership Agreement (ESPA).
The Business Development Centre, based in Larissa since 2005, is a leading Greek non-profit organisation committed to promoting innovation and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit. It is a certified Centre of Excellence in European entrepreneurship and coordinates the European Digital Innovation Hub – Health Hub, while actively participating in programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg, and Research–Create–Innovate. It develops innovative digital platforms (EUcalls, myStartupTool) and certified training programmes. It is a member of international networks, such as EIT Digital, AIOTI, and the European Women Association, and is registered in the European Commission's catalogue of DIHs, contributing to the networking of research and productive bodies and the strengthening of sustainable entrepreneurship in Europe.
The Factory IKE is the management and operating entity of JOIST Innovation Park in Larissa — the largest private Innovation Park in Southeastern Europe, featuring physical and digital infrastructure. Since 2020, JOIST has been an active hub of regional innovation and digital transformation, promoting cooperation between businesses, researchers and public bodies, and enhancing innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and the interconnection of research and production ecosystems. It is housed in a 1,800 sq. m. industrial space, where it hosts modern infrastructure such as a Business Innovation Center, Future Learning Lab, Makerspace and the European Digital Innovation Hub of Thessaly, offering services to SMEs, start-ups, academic institutions, researchers and social organisations.
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