Athens University of Economics and Business: Innovation and digital modernization of companies in collaboration with the Athens Chamber of Commerce

The Athens University of Economics and Business and the Athens Chamber of Commerce – in the context of their strategy for initiating joint actions with important actors – have identified their cooperation for the coming years.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Athens Chamber of Commerce and the Athens University of Economics and Business describes a series of pioneering joint initiatives related to innovation, digital modernization of commercial enterprises, their support, but also the connection of education and research with employment and growth of entrepreneurship.

The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in the Chambaer’s historic building, by the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Stavros Kafounis and the Rector of the Athens University of Economics, Professor Dimitris Bourantonis.

In particular, the cooperation program includes:

· Collaboration for the design and implementation of open innovation programs.

These programs aim to connect startups with the market for the joint development of innovative solutions to market problems and the digital modernization of businesses. For this purpose, a special innovation laboratory will operate in the ESA under the guidance of experienced AOP executives.

· Preparation of research studies.

The studies will aim to reflect the situation and problems of commercial and retail enterprises. Also, the studies can focus on other relevant sectors that directly or indirectly affect commercial enterprises and trade in the greater Athens area.

· Collaboration to offer internships to University students.

The internships will aim at the better connection of the students with the market, but also to provide the possibility of staffing the companies with new staff that possesses modern skills. In addition, it is possible to participate in career days, through physical or distance presence.

· Modelling Action Groups for business needs with the support of the AOP Liaison Office.

These activities will involve professors, with researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, who will take on the role of experts for specific business needs.

· Exchange / mutual visits of members of the university community and executives of commercial enterprises, with the aim of promoting scientific research and training in modern skills.

After the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation, the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Stavros Kafounis, said: “Our cooperation with the Athens University of Economics lays the foundations for a creative path to the digital age. The connection of the labor market with the educational community, on the one hand will integrate students from the beginning with the real market and on the other hand will create effective tools for businesses, and will explore and record the new consumer patterns that are formed in retail trade in the “day after” the pandemic. Finally, the contact of the business community with experienced executives of the Athens University of Economics as well as researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, will give a reciprocal impetus to the implementation of innovative ideas and processes, creating a competitive advantage for companies in the industry.

The Rector, Professor Dimitris Bourantonis, referring to the event stressed that: “The ties of cooperation with the Athens Chamber of Commerce are strengthened by a wide and innovative combination of actions. Businesses will be able to adapt to new market conditions, modernize according to their needs and see the future with optimism through scientific support and guidance. Our students will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience from the market and combine their knowledge and skills with practice. In this way, the Athens University of Economics and Business serves its mission and offers much to society, connecting research and education with the labor market and the real economy. “