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What does it take to put an idea to work? From my conversation with Zois Goundas, chair of the Greek union of innovation products, who organizes the Second international exhibition of innovation in early November, I understand it is focus, strong motivation and belief in one’s own abilities. Initially, when founding the union in 2009, his goal was providing a channel for development of innovation technologies in the country that would boost economical development.

Last year’s event attracted over 30 000 visitors and this year Peristery’s Exhibition Centre is expected to host nearly 350 inventors from all around the world. As a preview, for three days in July the Union will present to investors and businessmen several inventions in ten different fields at the Loft2Work venue. Inventors will have 20 minutes each to demonstrate their creations, and another ten minutes for questions and answers to encourage collaboration between them and those interested.

The area of energetics proves to be most attractive to participants, for “Greece has sun, sea and wind, making it suitable for the production of electricity,” sais Goundas, adding that new technology, informatics, pharmacy and healthcare share equal amount of interest themselves. Interesting invention in the field of energetics are small energy-generating turbines, which if lined along the Thessaloniki-Lamia highway every 50 meters, would supply enough electricity for the region of Attiki, sais Goundas. 

The exhibition this year anticipates inventors from Greece’s neighbors. “Last year we had three participants from Bulgaria who were very happy with the organization of the event. This year we are hoping to attract investors, businessmen and inventors from Albania, Croatia and Turkey as well.”

“We are hopeful that the Greek government will reduce taxes and create more favorable investment environment in the country. I believe the mid-term strengthening measures will take their toll on Greek citizens, but eventually it will boost the development of the country. I have never lost faith in the future of my country and I believe we will witness a positive change. It will be hard on everyone, but it may prove effective. Drop in taxes, salaries and life-standard in general will inevitably trigger discontent but, on the other hand, it will challenge people’s creativity, bringing innovation to agriculture and pushing people to give their best. To me, the general idea is to promote investment and one way would be to return to abandoned land. Young people are not involved in agriculture any more. In the current conditions young owners can make a living out of their land and generate production through agriculture,” adds Zois Goundas.

€30B are required to boost development in the country and yield results in the next decade, believes Goundas. If enough funds are poured in tourism, agriculture and innovation, as well as in the educated youth, in ten years we will be able to reap the fruits and pull the country out of the crisis. “I dream of successful collaborations beyond established models of clustering and staying out of petty political interests,” sais Goundas.