The future of the Greek economy, driven by Artificial Intelligence and targeted value-added investments, was the focal point of discussions at the GrowthFund’s Hellenic Growth Agora, held during the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
The 'Invest Ahead' Initiative
Konstantinos Angelopoulos, Deputy CEO of the National Development Fund (NDF), presented the "Invest Ahead" plan, developed under the auspices of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. The initiative aims to identify tangible investment opportunities to bolster the country’s productive model for the post-Recovery Fund era.
Analysis has already been conducted across 100 sectors of the Greek economy to pinpoint 30 specific, costed investment opportunities. This represents a strategic shift for the NDF, moving from a traditional asset manager role to that of an active investor, effectively linking capital interest with concrete projects.
Digital Infrastructure and Brain Regain
Regarding infrastructure, Stelios Fragkos, CEO of the Hellenic Innovation and Infrastructure Fund (HIIF), highlighted the fund's role in digital transition and energy. He noted that two to three major transactions are expected to be finalized in 2026, marking a shift toward directing public money exclusively into investment schemes.
Furthermore, the Phaistos Investment Fund (5G Ventures) has deployed €73 million into 11 companies specializing in high-tech sectors such as space technology, microchips, and the Internet of Things. A significant social outcome of these investments is the impact on human capital: 26% of new hires at these firms involve "brain regain," bringing specialized scientific personnel back to Greece from abroad.
