With a focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through innovation and internationalization, the 2nd Consortium Meeting of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas took place in Heraklion, Crete, on 7–8 May 2026. The meeting was coordinated by the National Documentation Centre and Electronic Content (EKT) and organized and hosted by PRAXI Network / FORTH, co-coordinator of the Greek Network, together with the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry, partner of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas. Representatives from 15 organizations across Greece participated in the event.
The meeting marked a key coordination milestone for the Network’s new programming period, placing emphasis on strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs, further upgrading the services provided, and shaping a common strategy aligned with the priorities of the European Commission.
Opening remarks were delivered by Giorgos Matalliotakis, Regional Councillor of the Region of Crete for liaison with research and academic institutions; Professor Vassilis Charmandaris, Chairman of the Board of FORTH; Evangelos Karkanakis, President of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Kyriakos Tolias, Director of EKT; and Dr. Konstantinos Vavekis, Technical Director of PRAXI Network.
At the opening session, Christos Skouras, Policy Officer at DG GROW of the European Commission, presented the vision for the future network of the next programming period, EU for Business Network 2028–2034. The EU priorities focus on improving the regulatory environment, strengthening investments, and promoting internationalization, aiming to enhance European competitiveness through the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).
Particular emphasis was given to the intervention of Makis Tikfesis, Project Adviser at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), who presented the implementation progress of the Enterprise Europe Network Hellas 2025–2028 project and congratulated the Network partners both for organizing the meeting and for their active participation.
He stressed that, during a period of multiple challenges for businesses, the contribution of consortium members is crucial for delivering impact, resilience, and meaningful support to the Network’s beneficiaries. The positive performance of the Greek consortium was acknowledged, particularly regarding participation in activities, content production, and readiness to submit success stories. The contribution of the Network’s international partners to business internationalization was also highlighted, as they facilitated more than 1,000 European partnerships during the previous contractual period.
Anastasia Sarchosoglou, Enterprise Europe Network Hellas Coordinator at EKT, and Achilleas Barlas, Enterprise Europe Network Hellas Coordinator at PRAXI Network, presented developments concerning the EU for Business Network 2028–2034 and the position of the Greek consortium within the broader discussion on the new European Competitiveness Fund.
In addition, specialized tools and services for businesses were presented, including the EU Sanctions Helpdesk, innovation and entrepreneurship support initiatives by ecosystem organizations and Network partners, as well as issues related to coordination, project management, and the development and delivery of high value-added services to businesses.
Special emphasis was placed on the exchange of best practices and experiences among Network partners, as well as on strengthening collaboration between research and business organizations.
As part of the first day’s agenda, participants also visited the C-Nest Accelerator, Crete’s modern business incubator, where successful examples of innovative companies and the results of entrepreneurship support initiatives were presented. The visit provided an opportunity to connect Network partners with the local entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, while also showcasing businesses that have benefited from support actions.
The second day included thematic sessions on Network capacity building, the use of the Enterprise Europe Network IT platform, promotion of the Network’s services, a training session on the operation of the SME Feedback group, as well as issues related to intellectual property and innovation strategy.
Detailed presentations were also delivered by the partners regarding the progress, objectives, and results of each Enterprise Europe Network Hellas work package. Special reference was made to the Microfinance Support Center of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a structure providing information and support to very small enterprises and self-employed professionals in the Heraklion region.
Particular interest was generated by the discussion on the “Hub-and-Spoke” model, during which success stories and best practices were presented by businesses benefiting from the services of PRAXI Network and the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The two-day meeting concluded with the presentation of the consortium’s next objectives and priorities, along with actions that will further strengthen the extroversion, innovation, and competitiveness of Greek SMEs.
