2nd Innovation Forum: 8 proposals for more patents in Greece

Eight proposals for the stimulation of patent production in Greece and the development of innovations from the stage of basic research in applied research to the marketing of a commercial product, emerged in the context of the 2nd Innovation Forum, entitled “Innovation leads developments”, held in hybrid form, at the Cultural Center “Hellenic World” and was co-organized by the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Athens.

In particular, the members of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Hellenic-German Chamber, placed at the parallel event entitled “The Relationship between Intellectual Property and Innovation in Action – Proposals for Institutional Improvements”, explained how the number of patents in Greece could be increased, in line with the dynamics and prospects of the country’s economy. More specifically, they suggested, among other things:

– The connection of patent production with academic advancement in universities

– Enhancing education on the importance of Intellectual Property

– The change of business culture with the aim of greater familiarity with the concept of risk

Ensuring greater transparency in patent financing procedures

– The institutionalization of the institution of patent attorneys (patent lawyers) as consultants

– Covering organizational and institutional shortcomings, as well as removing specific cultural disincentives

– Strengthening collaborations between research institutes and universities as well as industry

– The facilitation of private funding from Greek industry to public academic institutions, through scholarships and spin-offs.

The panel was coordinated by Mr. Grigoris Pelekanos, Lawyer-Partner of the Law Firm “BALLAS, PELEKANOS and Associates AEDE” and Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Hellenic-German Chamber “participated” Mr. , Mr. Michalis Boutaris, Founder and CEO of the investment organization “ATHROA INNOVATIONS” and Dr. Dimitris Kouzelis, European Patent Attorney, CEO of INTELLEX, Chairman of the Intellectual Property Committee of ICC Hellas, Business Consultant and former Director of the European Patent Office.

Introductory Mr. Gr. Pelekanos stressed that, while many steps have been taken to facilitate innovation, such as the recent law on technoblasts and Research and Development has been subject to investment laws, Greek patents are not being created that correspond to its level of development. country. As a result, it is concluded that there are organizational and institutional shortcomings and cultural counter-incentives, which must be addressed in the long run.

Mr. St. Tsimikalis, analyzed the report “Global Innovation Index” of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO, 2021). The report highlights the relatively good situation of Greece in terms of education and research and the high quality of human resources. On the contrary, it points to the discrepancy between the level of economic growth and the level of innovation in the country, the low transaction activity of Venture Capitals, the disproportionately low patent award in relation to the number of scientific publications and the slow development of new ecosystems. . Mr. Tsimikalis focused on the need to strengthen collaborations between research institutes and universities as well as research institutes and industry, while he characterized the need to change the business culture.

Mr. M. Boutaris, citing examples of technology transfer, implemented by ATHROA INNOVATIONS in the last two years, pointed out the meager ratio of patents to publications in Greece. He also highlighted the importance of intellectual property, which although not a basic prerequisite for VCs to invest in a startup, increases its added value, provided it exists and is properly protected. He stressed the need to strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship and risk-taking in the research community, proposing as a catalyst for this change, on the one hand the teaching of relevant courses and, on the other hand, the facilitation of private funding from Greek industry to public academics and undergraduates. In this regard, state-sponsored “mega projects” initiatives, such as the announced pan-European R&D center for green shipping, could bring private and public forces together in a virtuous circle, bridging the gap between research and the market. referred to the prospect of best practices being adopted by Germany and the strengthening of relations with relevant bodies, such as UnternehmerTUM.

Dr. D. Kouzelis focused on the importance of securing Intellectual Property Rights, especially Patents, noting the largest share of intangible assets in the total value of a business. He also highlighted the lag in the production of property diplomas compared to other similar countries and focused on the Road Map, prepared by the IP Committee of ICC Hellas. The recent announcement of the creation of Technology Transfer Offices, the legislation of technoblasts, the provision of tax incentives for investments in R&D, which were proposed by the Road Map of ICC Hellas, are in the right direction. Dr. Kouzelis also pointed out that in order to improve patent production, it should be linked to academic advancement in universities, there should be transparency and accountability for the consumption of funding, the institution of patent attorneys should be institutionalized and operate as advisors, and in general the education on the importance of Intellectual Property.

Anyone interested can find the streaming of the event available on the website of the 2nd Innovation Forum: https://griechenland.ahk.de/gr/2o-foroym-kainotomias-2021/paralliles-ekdiloseis or contact the Hellenic-German Chamber for more information , at tel. 210 64 19 034.

Gold sponsors: Bayer Hellas, Boehringer Ingelheim Hellas, Goldair Cargo.

Silver sponsors: Fraport, Jungheinrich Hellas, OTE Group, Robert Bosch Hellas, SIEMENS Healthineers, Software Competitiveness International.

Sponsors: Aegean Motorway, Eurosol.

Supporter: EZA.