Greece: RES – Photovoltaic

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  Development Minister Kostis Hatzidakis announced new incentives for households in order to install more photovoltaic (PV) systems which convert solar radiation into electrical energy.  2009 is designated by the government as year of Renewable Energy Resources and the ultimate goal is to proceed with legislative changes which will secure increased use of RES by cutting red tape and introducing incentives. Greek News Agenda: The Photovoltaic Market

♦ Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Development Minister Kostis Hatzidakis announced the first steps towards the implementation of the €1.3 billion worth financial support programme which aims at strengthening small- and medium-sized enterprises in the country. The support package is part of the “Competitiveness & Entrepreneurship” (EPAN II) programme set for the time frame 2007-2013.

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Greek Government Support Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   The government is determined to offer financial support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid the international financial crisis, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis said on Monday. Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the premier stressed that the EU is experiencing a recession and noted that the crisis is hitting consumption, production and commerce, while unemployment is on the rise. The Greek economy is still resisting pressures from an international crisis but 2009 would be a difficult year for all, the premier said, adding that the government’s aim is to limit the impact and to safeguard benefits gained in the previous years. He emphasised that the government is transferring funds from the Fourth Community Support Framework to SMEs, while it is introducing new measures to boost entrepreneurship among young people, and women.  Ministry of Economy and Finance: National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013; Secretariat General for Information: About Brand Greece- Competitiveness & Entrepreneurship ; Greek News Agenda: Gov’t Reforms Push On & Stimulus for SMEs 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Business Park in Greece

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) Technopolis Thessaloniki (www.technopolis.gr), inaugurated this month, is the first private Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Business Park in Greece, designed to host high tech enterprises sharing the spirit of the new economy. With a spirit of raising competitiveness, Technopolis Thessaloniki aims at delivering synergies among research intensive SMEs and research centres as well as European forums offering a liaison between local ICT industry, local authorities and international key stakeholders. Technopolis Thessaloniki represents the most coordinated, digitally literate cluster of SMEs in Greece, with an extrovert attitude open to innovation and entrepreneurship, forming the ideal market place for promotion of ICT services and an excellent opportunity for investments.