On September 6th, 2024, Professor Panayiotis Ketikidis, President of the Alexander Innovation Zone (AIZ), participated in a panel discussion at the 4th Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit, organized by The Economist Impact.
The panel was titled “Investing in Technology: A Driving Force for Growth” and featured several distinguished leaders as follows:
- Dimitris Papastergiou – Minister of Digital Governance
- Pavlos Kitsanelis – Microsoft Greece, Cyprus & Malta
- Kostas Axarloglou – Alba Graduate Business School
- Nikos Efthymiadis – ThessINTEC
- Iasonas Antonopoulos – Vodafone Greece
During his speech, Professor Ketikidis emphasized several key points regarding the role of technology in driving urban development and shared his vision for Thessaloniki’s future, focusing on its role as a key player in technological innovation and urban development.
Three key takeaways that he emphasized, are as follows:
- Invest in Technology for Sustainable Growth: Technology is key to staying competitive, boosting efficiency, and driving innovation. It lowers costs and enhances adaptability. By setting ambitious goals and pioneering new technologies, we can shape the future, not just follow it.
- Embrace Innovation and Collaboration: Technology alone isn’t enough. Companies must engage in open innovation and collaborate with universities, startups, and competitors to accelerate progress. The Kodak example highlights the risks of failing to embrace and adapt to technological advancements.
- Leverage Local Talent and Build Ecosystems: Effective technology investment involves harnessing local talent and creating dynamic ecosystems that include universities, startups, and industry players. These ecosystems foster creativity and drive regional and technological advancement, essential for long term economic growth.
These key points encapsulate Professor Ketikidis’ vision for leveraging technology to drive sustainable urban growth and his commitment to positioning Thessaloniki as a leading innovation hub.
“The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it.”
Special thanks to Economist Impact for hosting this Summit and for the invitation to participate in this insightful event.
Watch the participation of Professor Panagiotis Ketikidis, President of the Alexander Innovation Zone, in a panel discussion at the 4th Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit, organized by The Economist.
