Thessaloniki to host national dialogue on innovation and AI

Thessaloniki will host a major national event titled ‘Innovation & AI: Where are we? What needs to be done’ on November 24, 2026. Co-organized by the PAREMVASI Think Tank, NOISIS Science Communication Center and Museum of Technology, and the diANEOsis Research and Analysis Organization, the forum aims to address the challenges and prospects of research, innovation, and artificial intelligence for Greece's technological transformation.

The event will feature research from diANEOsis regarding the Greek research and innovation system and public perceptions of AI. Discussions will focus on how Greece can better leverage its scientific potential to bridge the gap between knowledge and entrepreneurship.

Data highlights a significant gap in the Greek innovation landscape: while R&D spending reached €3.66 billion in 2024 (1.54% of GDP), patent applications remain low at 10.3 per million inhabitants, compared to the EU average of 152.2. The dialogue seeks to address issues such as the weak connection between universities and businesses, barriers to technology transfer, and fragmented policies.