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NTUA Co-organizer and Host of the First Greece–Jiangsu Innovation and Industrial Cooperation Conference

On June 24, 2025, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) hosted the first Greece–Jiangsu (China) Innovation and Industrial Cooperation Conference, under the theme:
"Strengthening China–Greece Cooperation for the Development of Industrial and Technological Innovation."

The event was co-organized with the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), under the auspices of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Greece and the Department of Science and Technology of Jiangsu Province, marking a milestone in bilateral collaboration in science, technology, and industry.

Over 160 representatives from public authorities, universities, research centers, and businesses participated. Distinguished guests included:

  • Mr. Changxing Xin, Secretary of the Communist Party and Governor of Jiangsu Province,
  • Mr. Nikos Hardalias, Governor of the Attica Region, and
  • H.E. Mr. Qiu Fang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece.

In his address, Governor Changxing Xin emphasized that amidst rapid global technological developments, digital transition, and industrial competitiveness, international collaboration in science and technology is a key driver of growth. He highlighted Jiangsu's strengths—including its skilled workforce, comprehensive innovation chain, and advanced industrial capabilities—and stated its aim to become a global hub for industrial innovation. He also stressed the untapped cooperation potential between Jiangsu and Greece in fields like artificial intelligence, smart port technologies, and green energy.

Ambassador Qiu Fang noted that China and Greece must play a leading role in global scientific collaboration, stating that knowledge integration and cooperation are essential for mutual benefit and shared progress.

Governor Hardalias stated that fostering collaboration between local authorities and China is a strategic priority for the Attica Region, recognizing China as an important economic hub. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Attica Region and Jiangsu Province in areas like entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and culture, he affirmed his strong support for the conference and its objectives.

NTUA Rector, Professor Ioannis K. Hatzigeorgiou, showcased NTUA’s leadership and expertise in education, science, innovation, and technology.

JITRI President, Professor Qing Liu, presented Jiangsu’s innovation ecosystem.

Both stressed that the main goal of the conference is to create a collaborative ecosystem linking businesses, universities, and research institutions between Greece and China, focused on applying cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements to industrial use and developing tech solutions tailored to market and industry needs.

Other participants included:

  • Professor Nektarios Koziris (NTUA), who discussed large-scale data and AI infrastructures in Europe, and
  • Professor Bo Liu, President of the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT), who presented on university–industry partnerships and the commercialization of scientific research.

Two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:

  1. A strategic MoU between NTUA, JITRI, and the Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute (SYDII) for joint research and technology transfer.
  2. A Scientific Cooperation MoU between NTUA and CUMT, focusing on electric vehicle technologies and enhancing academic exchange.

These MoUs are tangible steps toward building long-term innovation platforms and partnerships.

 

A roundtable discussion was also held, focused on best practices in technology commercialization, moderated by Dr. Paul Burrows, former Vice President of JITRI and former Secretary General of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO).

 

Participants included:

  • Professor Hao Chen, Director, CUMT International Research Center
  • Dr. Lixin Xu, Director, Jiangsu Marine Technology Innovation Center
  • Professor Ioannis Emiris, Director General, Athena Research Center
  • Professor Panagiotis Partsinevelos, Vice Chair, Technology Transfer, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee, Technical University of Crete
  • Professor Angelos Tsakanikas, Director, NTUA Technology Transfer Office

 

The discussion covered joint research platforms, technical standards alignment, and the development of global talent pipelines.

 

In the research presentations session, researchers from both countries showcased innovative breakthroughs and collaboration opportunities:

  • Professor Hansong Cheng (China University of Geosciences) presented advances in liquid hydrogen transportation for hydrogen-powered ships.
  • Dr. Qing Yu (Jiangsu Marine Technology Innovation Center) discussed offshore engineering trends.
  • Professor Iraklis Avramopoulos (NTUA) explored Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in terrestrial and satellite communications.
  • Professor Irini Koronaki advocated for a transition to sustainable natural refrigerants, with a focus on environmental impact.

 

The conference concluded with remarks from Professor Manos Varvarigos, NTUA Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Outreach, who reaffirmed NTUA’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Jiangsu and other international innovation hubs.

 

The Jiangsu delegation also visited selected NTUA laboratories to gain deeper insight into Greek research infrastructure.

 



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