Pantelis Tzortzakis: “Innovation, Combined with Value-Added Products and Services, Creates New Opportunities for SMEs with the Support of the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB)” – Hellenic Development Bank

Pantelis Tzortzakis, Vice President and Executive Board Member of the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB), highlighted the critical role of innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships in transforming the country’s production model during his remarks at the Delphi Economic Forum 2024, in the session titled “The Great Transition.”

Mr. Tzortzakis also referred to the largest reform of the Hellenic Armed Forces in modern Greek history, emphasizing the role of innovation in strengthening the country’s defense technology capabilities.

During the first thematic discussion, “SMEs in Greece: Innovation and Access to Capital,” Mr. Tzortzakis stressed the importance of building competitive companies that deliver transformative products and services, generate added value, and can attract international investment.

At the same time, he highlighted that the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) proactively supports entrepreneurs and startups, providing the resources and guidance needed to bring their ideas to fruition.

During the discussion, he emphasized the need to create an ecosystem that fosters creativity, rewards risk-taking, and encourages cross-sector collaboration, while investing in education and skills development (Upskilling and Reskilling).

In the panel titled “Innovation Imperative: The Future of Defense Technology,” Mr. Tzortzakis elaborated on the role of the newly established Hellenic Center for Defense Research and Innovation in supporting Research & Development with a focus on dual-use applications (military and civilian) and connecting the needs of the armed forces with the development of the Greek defense industry and scientific research.

As he highlighted, the new entity aims to effectively mobilize all available resources—both private and public—from domestic and international funding sources. The central goal is to connect the actors of the Greek innovation ecosystem by creating thematic clusters that bring together startups, venture capital, research institutions (Technology Transfer Offices), and the defense industry, enabling Greece to transition from a consumer of ready-made defense systems to a producer of advanced defense technology.