
Employers and the president of SEV see a triple threat to the progress that the Greek economy has achieved so far on the occasion of the conference “Reinventing Greece through investments in innovation” organized by the Association.
The pandemic
Dimitris Papalexopoulos during a press conference given by SEV concerning the conference described three challenges for the Greek economy: “Although we have made great progress on the front of the pandemic, we have not managed to control it”, he said and explained: costs in human lives and the economy continue to grow. We have to be patient and wait for a long time ”
The energy crisis
The second big problem, according to the president of BSE, is the energy crisis: “Simultaneously with our pandemic, the sharp rise in energy prices has occurred. Energy costs were a big thorn in the side of Greek industry and have now taken on an extreme form. “The government,” he continued, “did well and leaned on consumers. We want to believe that it will also support Greek production in order to remain competitive with other countries “. Mr. Papalexopoulos also added that this energy crisis should not be an alibi so that the green transition does not proceed and we do not create a competitive energy market.
Inflation
The third major obstacle is inflation. As the president of SEV stressed, “the energy crisis has caused an increase in inflation. Most experts consider it temporary. And the markets with their signals show that. But we must not rush to conclusions.
The recipe
Dimitris Papalexopoulos noted about these three threats that “we can not afford to wait for these three problems to be solved. Anabouboula is an opportunity to go one step further. As with the digital economy “, he brought as an example.
The Ten Commandments of optimism
Following his statements, the president of SEV presented a 10 words of optimism for our country from innovation. As he said:
1. From nothing 10 to 15 years ago we now have a rapidly growing ecosystem of innovative businesses worth 5 to 6 billion. which gives 6,000 jobs.
2. We see very clearly this ecosystem in the next five years to triple to 15 billion euros with 20,000 jobs
3. And during the pandemic we had many practical successes of start-ups having hundreds of millions of euros that we were not used to. We are close to the first Greek unicorns “unicorns” worth 1 billion euros
4. The substantial investments in Greece by technological colossi, like Microsoft, Pfizer, Accenture and soon amazon. It is not only the jobs and the capital but also the vote of confidence that they give to Greece as an investment destination
5. The Greek Diaspora. We have a very active Greek Diaspora and the pandemic was an opportunity to get closer. This Greek diaspora that represents successful companies abroad invests time and money.
6. Progress made in Greek universities. It has traditionally been very good at research but we are now seeing progress in development as well. Such are for example the universities of Crete and Ioannina
7. Conditions for the creation of specific clusters, special ecosystems, seem to exist.
8. Timing. We are in a phase where there are upheavals in the digital and energy transition The prospects of the economy are very good
9. There is a great deal of understanding in this area. The work done by endeavor but also by the government itself and the prime minister is very good.
10. We are seeing a shift in society’s perception of entrepreneurship, not just upstarts. Greek society increasingly sees Greek entrepreneurship as part of the solution for the country to move forward.
However, the president of SEV noted that “we should not be too excited. Because the above are promises. We are far behind in terms of advanced economies. We invest in innovation only 1/10 in relation to Germany and 1/50 in relation to Israel.”


Latest News

Trump Tariffs Jeopardize Growth: Piraeus Chamber of Commerce
The tariffs, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, are expected to have both direct and indirect effects on the European economy

EU Condemns Trump Tariffs, Prepares to Retaliate
As tensions escalate, the EU is expected to continue negotiations with Washington while preparing for potential economic retaliation.

The Likely Impact of Trump Tariffs on Europe and Greece
Trump tariffs are expected to negatively affect economic growth in the Eurozone while Greece's exports could take a hit.

Motor Oil Results for 2024: Adjusted EBITDA of 995 mln€; Proposed Dividend of 1.4€ Per Share
Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was down 33% yoy. The adjusted profit after tax for 2024 stood at 504 million euros, a 43% decrease from the previous year

Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.

Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses

Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.

Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February

Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)