The MaterLab Laboratory of the Department of Chemical Engineering organized a significant workshop in collaboration with the Directorate of the Regional Development Fund (RDF) and the respective Directorates of Scientific Support and Program Implementation of the RDF of the Region of Western Macedonia. This event was part of the SITRANS project and focused on presenting the project’s deliverables while discussing future joint actions to support local communities and businesses in the region.
The SITRANS project aims to monitor and support the transition of local communities toward a more sustainable and equitable economic model.
The workshop was attended by key figures, including the Head of the Department of Scientific Support and Program Implementation of the NSRF OP, Ms. Katerina Koutsianou, the Head of the Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department, Mr. Stavros Sapalidis, and Mr. Vasileios Machairas, an employee of the European Programs, Smart Specialization, and Innovation Department of the Directorate of Private Investments and Innovation of the Region of Western Macedonia, along with Mr. Theodoros Stavrakas, from the Scientific Support and Program Implementation Department.
The discussion was coordinated by Professor Mr. Ioannis Bakouros, with support from the MaterLab team, including Ms. Amalia Kouskoura and Ms. Eleni Kalliontzi.
During the workshop, the Transition Observatory Platform was introduced, and the next steps for a sustainable and fair transition for the local communities in Western Macedonia were discussed. Strategies and tools to support the region’s economic and social transition to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices were explored, with a strong emphasis on enhancing social justice and equality.
The objective of the workshop was successfully achieved, as best practices were identified, and specific actions were formulated to strengthen the participation of local entrepreneurs in international collaborations, boosting their competitiveness and growth in the global economy.
The participants also discussed strategies to help the region address the challenges posed by climate change, ensure continued economic growth, and job creation, while fostering public-private sector collaboration to implement innovative solutions.
