PRAXI Network and AITCG
PRAXI Network
PRAXI Network was founded in 1991 and is the Technology Transfer Unit of FORTH. It’s mission is to support innovation at national as well as European level.
With a strong presence in six cities in Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Volos, Patras, Ioannina), PRAXI Network provides advisory support to researchers, organizations, and innovative enterprises, bridging the gap between research and industry. Additionally, it promotes cross-border collaborations and contributes to the design and implementation of national policies that fund innovation.
PRAXI Network is also the Coordinator of the Greek hub of Enterprise Europe Network and has established 4 technology-oriented clusters. Furthermore, PRAXI Network is the official National Contact Point for Horizon Europe and holds the UNESCO Chair in Greece on Futures Research.
ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIES OF THESSALY & CENTRAL GREECE (AITCG)
The Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece, founded in Volos in 1966, is the main business organization of the manufacturing enterprises of Thessaly and Sterea Εllada and a dynamic Regional Association of the country.
AITCG:
- Provides high quality services to its member companies.
- Exploits the knowledge and experience of its members in developing views and putting forward proposals to the government.
- Cooperates with Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), the Regional Industrial Associations, the Regions and the Chambers of Commerce in its area of responsibility, as well as with organisations supporting entrepreneurship.
- Collaborates with Academic Institutions and Research Centers to strengthen cooperation between the business and academic community.
Since 2008 it participates in the Enterprise Europe Network-Hellas, consortium, the Greek node of Enterprise Europe Network, the world’s largest business support network that helps enterprises to innovate and grow on an international scale. The Association’s participation in the network is a result of the successful 18-year hosting of the European Information Centre GR162 (1989-2007).
In 1996, AITCG in cooperation with ALFA BANK S.A., established the non-profit company, Development Company for the Management of European Programmes for Thessaly and Sterea Ellada (AEDEP). AEDEP has successfully managed as an Intermediate Body, programmes of the 2nd and 3rd Community Support Frameworks and the successive NSRF programmes, addressed to Small and Medium-Sized manufacturing enterprises of the private sector.