The city of Thessaloniki is poised to inaugurate the 4th edition of the technology-focused Beyond Exhibition, underlining its growing stature in Southeastern Europe’s tech ecosystem. The launch, earmarked for 19:00 tomorrow, will be under the auspices of the Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, marking a significant expansion from the previous year with a strong international presence and a spotlight on Artificial Intelligence.
This year’s exhibition, which runs until April 27, boasts a remarkable increase in both direct and indirect exhibitors—275 companies from 22 countries, up from last year’s 170. The event will feature 440 speakers from Greece and abroad. Additionally, remarkable dignitaries such as MIT Media Lab’s Director of Computing Systems, Dr. Michael Bletsas, and Sophia, the world-renowned robot, will participate, forging a nexus for dialogue on technology and digital transformation.
Tasos Tzikas, the president of Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center-Helexpo AE, has pointed to an evolving technology sector in Thessaloniki, bolstered by foreign company investments and the conference itself, which is becoming increasingly influential in the region. The Beyond Exhibition aims to transform into the Balkans’ answer to Barcelona’s WMC, dominating the digital technology and innovation landscape.
The exhibition also provides free access to students, with events like the 11th Technology Forum and the AI Forum, Greece’s largest AI conference, featuring over 55 speakers. Experts predict that by 2030, there will be a demand for 7,000 to 7,500 tech professionals annually in Greece, suggesting the sector’s capacity as a strategic asset to the economy.
Beyond, a collaborative effort of multiple organizations including the Ministry of Digital Governance, is set to establish Thessaloniki as a hub for innovation, attracting new investments and becoming a platform for regional tech players. With participation from ministers across 10 countries, including Turkey’s Minister of Technology, the exhibition is gaining traction as a pinnacle event within the international technology community.
Key Questions and Answers:
Q: What is the purpose of the Beyond Exhibition in Thessaloniki?
A: The purpose of the Beyond Exhibition is to showcase technological developments and innovation, attract investments, and bolster Thessaloniki’s stature as a technology hub in the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.
Q: Which sectors does the event focus on?
A: Although not specified in the article, the event likely covers multiple sectors within the tech industry, with a special spotlight on Artificial Intelligence, based on the context of its key events and prominent speakers from the AI field.
Q: Who are some of the notable participants at the Beyond Exhibition?
A: Key participants include Dr. Michael Bletsas from MIT Media Lab and Sophia the robot, as well as representatives and ministers from 10 countries such as Turkey’s Minister of Technology.
Q: How does the Beyond Exhibition benefit students?
A: The event provides free access to students, allowing them to engage with the latest technological advancements and attend forums such as the AI Forum, which is Greece’s largest AI conference.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
The tech industry is always evolving, and as such, Thessaloniki faces the challenge of continually updating and adapting its offerings to stay relevant.
Thessaloniki must compete with established tech hubs, which means attracting high-quality talent and significant investments could be challenging.
Debates around the ethical implications of AI and other emerging technologies may also emerge as key conversations at such exhibitions.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– The Beyond Exhibition promotes technological innovation and fosters international collaboration.
– It is an opportunity for networking between tech professionals, investors, and business leaders.
– Through the event, students and young professionals gain insights and inspiration for future careers in technology.
Disadvantages:
– The focus on rapid technological growth may overshadow other industrial sectors in the city or region.
– The influx of foreign investments and companies could potentially lead to local job displacement if not managed effectively.
In conclusion, the Beyond Exhibition has positioned Thessaloniki as a growing technological hub, offering numerous opportunities for the region. While there are challenges in maintaining this position and ensuring that technological growth benefits all sectors of the economy fairly, the advantages of such an event seem to align with Greece’s ambition to be a leader in the digital transformation in Europe.
If you’re interested in learning more about Thessaloniki or the tech industry in Greece, you may visit the official site of the Hellenic Republic’s Ministry of Digital Governance for related information: Ministry of Digital Governance.
The source of the article is from the blog portaldoriograndense.com