THE LEADING ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PELOPONNESE REGARDING KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENERSHIP
The European Commission recognizes the leading contribution of the University of the Peloponnese in the development and production of knowledge-intensive innovation in the Region of Peloponnese.
In the recent report (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/harnessing-talent-platform/support-on-the-ground/pillar-1-pilot-project-11-regions-harness-talent_en) of Pillar 1 of the Talent Booster Mechanism focusing on supporting 11 regions of the European Union that are heavily affected by the decline of the working-age population, as well as by the share of individuals with tertiary education, οn page 7 of the Diagnostic Report for the Peloponnese, it states the following:
"Innovation Capacity
The innovation ecosystem of the region is structured around the University of the Peloponnese, which acts as the main aggregator of the local scientific community and disposes of a significant level of expertise. The University is active across several disciplinary areas and does not exhibit a specific specialization profile."
More specifically, two projects of the University of the Peloponnese have been highlighted as emblematic practices by the European Commission, within the framework of the “Talent Booster Mechanism”, for the utilization of talents in European regions. The abovementioned recognition emphasizes the contribution of the University to regional development, through the support of young scientists and the strengthening of innovation and entrepreneurship. The University of Peloponnese leads through two emblematic projects, concerning the creation of the Innovation Office, as well as the operation of knowledge-intensive innovation and entrepreneurship support structures – UniStart Hubs (https://unistarthubs.gr/).
In particular, the Office of Innovation will operate to strengthen and support the regional innovation ecosystem, in order to safeguard the Region against the challenges of the next Programming Period. At the same time, the Office aims to integrate the research and innovation produced at the University into existing enterprises, thereby bridging the gap between innovation and the market and contributing to the strengthening of the region's competitiveness. Regarding the second project, it concerns the UniStart Hubs structures, which operate in five cities of the Peloponnese Region (Tripoli, Kalamata, Sparta, Corinth, Nafplio), aiming to cultivate innovation and familiarize the academic community with entrepreneurship. In one year of operation, the UniStart Hubs have managed to:
• support more than 100 innovative business schemes
• offer services to more than 1500 participants
• organize 41 business entrepreneurship events/actions.
The European recognition of these initiatives confirms the pivotal role of the University of Peloponnese in developing a modern and sustainable innovation ecosystem that supports young scientists and helps retain talent in the Region. At the same time, it enhances the international image of the Peloponnese as a place that can offer prospects for growth and creation, through the collaboration of academic knowledge with business practices.