The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) once again participated in the renowned Beyond International Digital Technology and Innovation Exhibition. This year, the event took place from April 25th to April 27th in Thessaloniki. ACCI, playing a pivotal role as a coordinating partner of the European SUCCEED project – aimed at accelerating development through comprehensive services for SMEs and innovation startups – co-organized a side event along with the Oslo Chamber of Commerce to showcase the program’s results.
During a highlight speech, ACCI President Sofia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou emphasized the importance of supporting innovative and emerging entrepreneurship. As she put it, the value of Greece’s innovation system has seen significant growth over the past five years. Through continuous new initiatives, collaborations, and partnerships on both domestic and international fronts, ACCI fosters this evolution. The SUCCEED project, a fruitful collaboration with Norwegian partners, reflects ACCI’s commitment to this direction.
Kounenaki-Efraimoglou also participated in the “Innovation Northern Greece 5.0” symposium, which represented a collaboration with numerous organizations and emphasized Greece’s significant advancements in innovation.
Furthermore, the president highlighted the pivotal role of women in economic development during the “Women and Leadership” session. She pointed out Greece’s high percentage of female entrepreneurs and reinforced ACCI’s commitment to overcoming barriers to women’s workplace participation through various initiatives and programs.
Lastly, addressing “The Age of AI: Unlocking the Potential” event, Kounenaki-Efraimoglou brought to attention the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors. ACCI contributes actively to the national AI strategy, advocating a human-centric approach to ensure inclusive progress.
Key Questions and Answers:
Q: What is the significance of the Beyond International Digital Technology and Innovation Exhibition?
A: The Beyond International Digital Technology and Innovation Exhibition is a significant event that brings together businesses, startups, and industry experts to share knowledge, foster innovation, and promote technological advancements. It provides a platform for participants to explore emerging trends, network with potential partners, and showcase their products and services to an international audience.
Q: How does ACCI’s participation in the SUCCEED project benefit SMEs and startups?
A: ACCI’s partnership in the SUCCEED project aims to accelerate the development of SMEs and startups by providing comprehensive services such as mentorship, access to funding, and networking opportunities. The project leverages international collaboration to enhance the resources available for emerging businesses to innovate, expand, and integrate into larger markets.
Q: What are the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Greece, and what initiatives does ACCI undertake to overcome these?
A: Women in Greece, as in many other places, may face barriers such as gender bias, unequal access to finance, and work-life balance challenges. ACCI commits to various initiatives that support female entrepreneurs, which include providing training, mentorship, and advocating for policies that address these barriers and promote greater workplace participation for women.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. Fostering Innovation: Events like the Beyond International Digital Technology and Innovation Exhibition create environments that encourage the exchange of ideas and promote cutting-edge technological developments.
2. International Collaboration: ACCI’s collaboration with partners like the Oslo Chamber of Commerce expands opportunities for Greek businesses on an international scale, promoting cross-border trade and knowledge transfer.
3. Empowerment of Women: By focusing on the role of women in the economy, ACCI supports gender diversity, which can lead to a more inclusive and thriving business environment.
Disadvantages:
1. Digital Divide: Despite the progress made, there may be a digital divide wherein smaller or more traditional businesses struggle to keep pace with rapid technological changes and lack the resources or knowledge to fully participate in such events.
2. Economic Disparities: While such exhibitions can propel innovation, they may also inadvertently widen the gap between regions and businesses that are digitally advanced and those that are not.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
One of the major challenges is ensuring that the benefits of technology and innovation reach all levels of society and business, particularly in less developed regions or sectors. Additionally, there can be controversy surrounding the ethical use of AI, which requires a nuanced approach to balance technological progress with societal impact.
For more information relevant to this event and industry, you may visit the following link to the main domain of the ACCI: Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Please note that access to specific details about the Beyond International Digital Technology and Innovation Exhibition or the SUCCEED project may require deeper research or direct contact with the ACCI.