SmartConEurope project: Meeting with the Directorate of the Regional Development Fund (RDF) of the Region of Western Macedonia
The MaterLab Laboratory of the Department of Chemical Engineering organized a significant workshop in collaboration with the Directorate of the Regional Development Fund (RDF) and the respective Directorates of Scientific Support and Program Implementation of the RDF of the Region of Western Macedonia.

This workshop was part of the SmartConEurope project, aiming to present the project’s deliverables and discuss future joint actions to support local communities and businesses in the region. The SmartConEurope project aims to enhance the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in European Research and Innovation Programs, with particular emphasis on the Horizon 2020 program.
In the workshop was attended by the Head of the Department of Scientific Support and Program Implementation of the NSRF OP, Ms. Katerina Koutsianou, the Head of the Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department, Mr. Stavros Sapalidis, the employee of the European Programs, Smart Specialization, and Innovation Department of the Directorate of Private Investments and Innovation of the Region of Western Macedonia, Mr. Vasileios Machairas, as well as the employee of the Scientific Support and Program Implementation Department, Mr. Theodoros Stavrakas. The discussion was coordinated by Professor Mr. Ioannis Bakouros, along with the MaterLab Laboratory team, including Ms. Amalia Kouskoura and Ms. Eleni Kalliontzi.
Regarding the SmartConEurope program, the discussion focused on strengthening the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Region of Western Macedonia in European Research and Innovation Programs, especially in programs like Horizon 2020. Existing support systems for local businesses were discussed, with an emphasis on funding opportunities, procedures for inclusion in European projects, and the obstacles faced by SMEs in seeking resources for innovative actions.
This workshop successfully achieved the goal of identifying best practices and developing specific actions to enhance the participation of local entrepreneurs in international collaborations, thereby boosting their competitiveness and growth in the international economic environment. The participants discussed strategies that will enable the regions to respond to the challenges of climate change, ensure economic growth, and create jobs while enhancing public-private sector collaboration for the implementation of innovative solutions.