The Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, Professor Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, participated in the Delphi Economic Forum, taking part in two thematic panels focused on research, innovation, higher education and the skills of the future, alongside distinguished representatives from government, academia and the private sector.

In the first panel, entitled “The Future of Skills: Bridging the Gap Between Education and the Modern Economy”, the discussion focused on the skills of the future and the need to bridge the gap between the education system and the demands of the modern economy and labour market.

In the second panel, “The Ministry of Research & Higher Education: A New Era for Greek Competitiveness?”, the role of the proposed creation of a new Ministry for Research and Higher Education was examined, along with its contribution to strengthening the country’s competitiveness.

In response to a relevant question, the Rector emphasised that research and innovation are fundamental pillars of socioeconomic development, both for academic institutions and for the country as a whole. He stressed that development is inextricably linked to technological progress and is driven by innovative ideas that, as a rule, originate in the university environment.

Regarding the creation of a new Ministry responsible for research and higher education, he expressed his unequivocal support, noting that these two areas are interconnected. As he stated, the work of academics is not limited to teaching, but also encompasses the production of research output, which constitutes a fundamental criterion for their academic advancement.

He made particular reference to the National Technical University of Athens, noting that, in cooperation with EPSEU, it is the most successful institution in the country in terms of attracting research funding. He pointed out that NTUA produces pioneering research and technology, with significant prospects for their commercial application.

Finally, he addressed the issue of funding, noting that the existing process is characterised by complexity. He argued that the creation of a single body for the funding, submission and evaluation of research proposals, combined with a clear and stable institutional framework, would make a decisive contribution to simplifying procedures.

In conclusion, he expressed his optimism about the future, emphasising that the National Technical University of Athens is ready to invest dynamically in developing the skills of tomorrow, in close collaboration with the market and the business world, while at the same time expressing the expectation of a more active response from the business community.