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S3 at the focus of the inaugural meeting organized by the region of Attica and its innovation center

The region of Attica has recently celebrated the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Working Groups, where the Director of RDA Attica presented, together with the Regional Governor and other institutional representatives, the National Strategy and the Regional Programme 2021-2027 status, approved about 1 month ago.

During the event, the objectives of the National Strategy of Smart Specialization were at the centre of the inaugural meeting. During the Regional Programme presentation, Attica’s RDA Director took an active role, together with the Regional Governor G. Patoulis. He opened the session by expressing the steps implemented, and the objectives of the new programming period. He proudly highlighted that Attica must continue working in the same direction, with Smart Specialization Strategy among their priorities, investing in sustainable growth, innovation and the unity of their society. Patoulis: "We invest in smart and sustainable development, innovation and the cohesion of our society".

During his speech, he gave special attention to the field of NSRF. He recognized how the European financial tool facilitates and boosts the growth of regions: “NSRF are the economic arm that ensures that no country, no people, no Region of Europe will be left behind.” (G. Patoulis). As Administrations, regions have to work systematically to make efficient use of the NSRF resources available.  Attica is a good example of it. They started by increasing the funds' absorbency and using them to change Attica. They assisted that NSRF are exploited in Attica on a daily basis and they are seeing the results at different levels, implementing projects on development, entrepreneurship and innovation. With the new NSRF 2021-2027 and with its 54% increased budget, they presented the new Regional Program, which was approved about 1 month ago.

• €200 million for actions to strengthen entrepreneurship, research and innovation;

• €330 million for actions to save energy and deal with the effects of climate change;

• €130 million for Sustainable and "smart" transport networks and for the improvement of road safety;

• €650 million for the Strengthening of Social Cohesion (health care and education infrastructures).

Ensuring and promoting the S3 in the regions becomes crucial when it comes to the specific socio-economic challenges in order to identify unique opportunities for development and growth in the regions. We are happy to hear about Attica’s achievement and next steps and it has clear European added value.

Read the news from Attica here.