The General Secretariat for Research and Innovation is a public service responsible for planning and coordinating implementation of the policy for Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI). It supports activities of the research community and industry through competitive research programmes giving emphasis on both economic growth and social justice. The GSRI supervises research centers and technology bodies that possess and promote the know-how necessary for producing knowledge and boosting innovation. Furthermore, it follows EU and international developments related to RTDI and represents Greece in both European Union institutions and international organizations.
Investment in research and innovation is a key strategic priority for a new development model. A model that is socially, financially and environmentally sustainable based on knowledge and its commercialization, through developing high added-value products and services.
The GSRI Mission
- To design and promote a comprehensive, integrated strategy for research and innovation.
- To improve research and innovation performance of Greek enterprises and research and academic institutions.
- To support and upgrade research and innovation infrastructures in areas of importance for the Greek economy and society.
- To maximize the impact of the highly qualified human resources in the area of research in order to create new employment opportunities, reverse brain drain and prevent underemployment of scientific personnel.
- To transfer and disseminate innovative technologies to the country’s productive bodies.
- To supervise and fund Greek Research and Technological Institutions.
- To enhance public awareness on Science, Research and Innovation.
- To represent Greece at the relevant European Union and OECD bodies and promote cooperation with other countries.
- To assess the outcome and impact of research and innovation actions in the context of an ongoing updating of research policies.
POLICY AND ACTIONS FOR RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION (RTDI)
- The Smart Specialization Strategy guides all RTDI interventions funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and determined through the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process, organized by the GSRI.
- A significant share of the RTDI funding is secured through the “Competitiveness 2021-2017” Programme. Additional funds are allocated by the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RSF), the Just Transition Fund (JTF), Regional Programmes and the State budget.
- Actions and initiatives are implemented, including the National Startup Registry ELEVATE GREECE, Competence Centers, Innovation Clusters and Networks of Technology Transfer Offices within Greek Universities and Research Institutes.
- National Research Infrastructures are supported through a multiannual financial plan. After their ex-post evaluation of their activities which was conducted by an international expert group of the European Commission -Policy Support Facility (PSF), GSRI is now updating the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructure and will adjust accordingly its financial plan.
- An increase of the tax benefit on R&D expenditure was introduced for enterprises; legislation was adopted for the offsetting of pharmaceutical expenditure claw-back with R&D expenses and for providing incentives to support Business Angels. Further, a clear, simple and functional framework for spin-offs creation was developed.
- The Competitiveness Programme 2021-27 will fund RTDI actions with an estimated budget of 634 million euros. An Action of Strategic Importance is the Integrated Action titled “Research – Innovate 2021-27”, with an expected public funding of 300 million euros. In the same period, flagship RTDI actions are implemented on critical areas for the society and the economy and are funded through the Resilience and Recovery Fund and from National Funds.
- A particular emphasis is put on the European perspective with a view to promote synergies with the “Horizon Europe” EU Framework Programme, the new European Research Area and bilateral and multilateral research & innovation cooperation projects.
- The Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) boosts significantly the basic research.
THE SMART SPECIALIZATION STRATEGY 2021–27 SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING EIGHT (8) PRIORITY SECTORS:
- Agri-food sector
- Digital Technologies
- Environment and Cyclical Economy
- Sustainable Energy
- Bioscience, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Materials, Constructions and Manufacturing
- Transport and Logistics
- Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY BODIES
The Research and Technology Institutions supervised by GSRI have contributed significant scientific and research achievements in fields including Medicine and Biomedicine, Information Technology and Telecommunications, the Environment, Physical Science, Astronomy, Humanities and Social Sciences, Marine Research and Transports, as well as in the context of innovative product development and technology.
