During the Hellenic Growth Agora at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the Hellenic Development Fund (HDF) unveiled its strategy for the future of the Greek economy. Centered on Artificial Intelligence and high-value investments, the "Invest Ahead" plan aims to shape a new productive model for the post-Recovery Fund era.
The Invest Ahead Plan and Strategic Shift
Konstantinos Angelopoulos, Deputy CEO of the HDF, described the fund's evolution from a simple asset manager to an active investor. The "Invest Ahead" plan, under the auspices of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, involves analyzing 100 economic sectors to identify 30 specific and costed investment opportunities.
- Completion of 2-3 major transactions by 2026 through HIIF.
- €73 million invested by the Phaistos Investment Fund in 11 cutting-edge companies.
- Four Greek companies accepted into NATO's Rapid Adoption program via ELKAK.
Artificial Intelligence and Infrastructure
The operation of the national supercomputer "DAEDALUS" is expected within the coming weeks, serving as the primary tool for the "PHAROS AI Factory." CEO Afroditi Sevasti emphasized that the goal is to attract start-ups and researchers by the end of the year, focusing on culture, energy, and health.
Simultaneously, Vasilis Karkatzounis, Special Secretary for AI, noted the exponential increase in available public data sets from 78 to 23,000. He highlighted Greece's potential as a data center hub, particularly in the shipping and logistics sectors.
Digital Transformation and Society
Information Society is concluding a cycle of 220 IT project contracts, with AI expected to play a decisive role in Justice and Civil Protection. However, speakers stressed the need for careful management of the ethical and legal issues accompanying the use of these new technologies.
