Cooperation agreement signed by the University of Western Macedonia and SEV

Multi-benefit cooperation agreement for both young people, students and researchers, as well as for businesses, especially in the Greek region, was signed by the administrations of the University of Western Macedonia and BSE, at a meeting held in the city of Kozani on Friday, April 15 2022.

The cooperation agreement aims to develop joint initiatives to support the development of BSE member companies but also entrepreneurship in general, to strengthen applied research, to connect the graduates of the University of Western Macedonia with the labor market and to support the green transition. The agreement consolidates the common will for a more substantial connection and cooperation of universities, research centers and companies – as, moreover, happened with the recent cooperation agreements with the Athens University of Economics, NTUA, EP Democritus, DUTH, industrial doctorates in University of Patras, the internship for members of the Association, but also the AIMinds academy in collaboration with SAS in various universities in the country.

What does the PDM-BSE cooperation agreement include?

1. “Skills upgrade”: Design and provision of training programs by the University of Western Macedonia, which will aim to enhance skills, and especially the new digital skills required in the labor market and according to the needs of companies.

2. “Digital transformation”: Design and provision of training programs by the University of Western Macedonia, which will aim to contribute to the digital transformation of BSE member companies.

3. “Interface for technology transfer and innovation”. Design, development and implementation of innovation programs, both for start-ups and for existing companies, which wish to implement new ideas for the production and distribution of their products at home or abroad.

4. “Interconnection with Industry”. The program includes an internship offer to students of the University of Western Macedonia by the member companies of SEV. The internship will aim at the best connection of the students with the market, but also to provide the possibility of staffing the companies with new staff that possesses modern skills.

5. “Interface with research”. Preparation of analyzes or studies on issues related to the interest of BSE member companies through diploma theses of the Postgraduate students of the University of Western Macedonia, or (b) by assigning the analysis / study to postdoctoral students of the University under the supervision of the University of Western Macedonia. Of Macedonia.

6. “Applied Doctoral Research”. The program concerns the elaboration of applied academic research on topics that concern the interest of the members of BSE, through the elaboration of doctoral dissertations by researchers of the University of Western Macedonia. The topics of the research arise from the expression of interest of the companies-members of BSE.

7. “Interface with the labor market”. Physical or electronic meetings of senior and senior executives of BSE member companies, in order to transfer their experience to the students of the University of Western Macedonia, in consultation with the academic managers of the Undergraduate or Postgraduate Programs.

8. “Interconnection and networking with the labor market-Exchange of Expertise” with meetings of experts, organization of lectures and “career days” and visits to companies.

Following the signing of the cooperation agreement, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEV, Mr. Efthymios O. Vidalis “By signing the agreement between PDM and BSE, we further strengthen the links between companies and PDM in a region of national importance and special challenges. University and companies will work closely together in the exchange of knowledge, technology transfer and the development of modern skills as We believe that the region of Western Macedonia has developed, among other things, a very interesting industrial consciousness that can be used effectively, in the context of productive transformation into an economy. “Our common goal is to support students, researchers, universities and businesses to successfully meet the great challenges of the time, and to enhance regional development, empower our young people and accelerate technological transformation.”

The Rector of PDM, Professor Theodoros Theodoulidisamong other things, pointed out: “The agreement with SEV gives significant impetus to the work done by the University of Western Macedonia to connect our students with the future and new career opportunities in dynamic areas that will play a leading role both during the transition period and Our firm commitment is for the University, in addition to being a central core of knowledge production, research and innovation in the Region, to be a driving force for the creation of new entrepreneurship, new employment and new investments that will create multiple benefits for local societies and will enhance the prospects of prosperity and development in the new era for Western Macedonia “.

Also present at the signing were from the University Professor Nikolaos Sariannidis, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Stergios Maropoulos, Vice Rector for Research and Lifelong Learning, Professor Georgios Iordanipis and Antipitis for Reciprocity Of Affairs and Student Welfare, Professor George Christoforidis, Assoc. Dean of the Polytechnic School, Professor Nikolaos Tsounis Director of the Institute of Economic Analysis and Entrepreneurship of the University Research Center, Ms. Christina Petaloti, Head of the Department of Public and International Relations and Ms. Angelos S. And from SEV, Messrs. Alexandros Hatzopoulos, General Manager, Dr., George Xirogiannis, Assoc. General Manager, Giannos Mitsos, coordinator of the BSE-universities interconnection initiative and Dr. Maria Bozoudi, Senior Advisor, Department of Industry, Development, Networks & Regional Policy.