Download the ideas for mainstreaming here.

A Video Conference was held between the regions of the North West of England and Western Greece in November 2010 to discuss the UK’s Higher Level Skills Partnership (HLSP) good practice which is managed in the region by the North West Universities Association (NWUA).

Representatives of Patras Science Park and Patras University then visited the NWUA in December to speak with HLSP project managers in a number of sectors, including, Creative, Digital & ICT, Construction, Bio-medical, Energy & Environmental, to progress the exchange. Through a series of one to one discussions by the sector representatives, discussions of some of the initial barriers to implementation, exploring the regional infrastructure and funding options, and a visit to Manchester Metropolitan University, the Greek partners aim to implement a similar programme in their region.

MINI EUROPE in the “Forum for Regional Development 2010 – 13^th Money Show Patras” on 16 October 2010

Pictures 3 & 4: The stand of Patras Science Park in the Forum for  Regional Development 2010

The attendants of the meeting were Mr. Francisco Ferrando, Head of the International Programs Department, Mr Luis Pena the manager and network coordinator of I-Creo, Mrs Elena Uviedo, the expert for the ceramic sector association, Mrs Laure Santos Silvestre, the expert of the textile sector association, Mr Luis Iranzo, expert of the infants’ sector association and the representatives from Patras Science Park: Dr. Chrysostomos Stylios, Regional Content Manager of MINI Europe project for Western Greece, Ms Eleni Arvaniti and Mrs Foteini Stefanou, members of the implementation team of MINI Europe in Western Greece.

The meeting started with the presentation of IMPIVA, a regional organization for supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in Valencia region. IMPIVA participates in many national and international projects. As a Regional Innovation Authority, IMPIVA offers technical support in SMEs for the participation and preparation of sector project proposals

IMPIVA initiates project i-Creo, whose concept is to create a think tank and a network of debate (I-Creo Network) consisted of a group of experts for each one of the main economic sectors of the Valencia Region. The main goal of i-Creo is to bring the initiatives to the sectors and to concrete industrial projects. The main scope of the network is to identify and promote business opportunities and to gather information so that to start up innovation strategies in each sector. I-Creo is the innovation ambassador of IMPIVA.

After the presentation of IMPIVA activities and a short summary on the objectives and results of i-Creo, the meeting continued with the presentations of the treated sectors (textile, ceramics, child-care products). More specifically:

- textiles

Mrs Laura Santos Silvestre presented the ATEVAL which is the Textile Association of Comunitat Valenciana and is contributing to the progress of the textile companies through a key role in promoting innovation, increasing business competitiveness and improving its position in the international market.

- ceramics

Mrs Elena Uviedo, presented the ASCER -Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association-. She explained that in 2006 this association was involved in only three industrial projects and in 2009 after the contribution of i-Creo, the companies of the association became more competitive, more innovative and the association participated in 22 projects.

-  infants

Mr. Luis Iranzo presented the ASEPRI (ASOCIACIÓN ESPAÑOLA DE PRODUCTOS PARA LA INFANCIA), its objectives, and the methodology in implementing i-Creo within this association. Through i-Creo, ASEPRI managed to succeed direct collaboration with 20 industrial sectors and to provide trends innovation to 200 regional SME companies

All the experts, who presented the activities of the associations, agreed that the most important issue is to promote the innovation culture into the enterprises, make them believe that they have to look for the “new ideas” and the “new product” and this can be implemented via the collaboration with other companies-sectors and by exchanging knowledge.

A constructive discussion between the attendants followed after the presentations of the associations and questions were answered about issues linked to the successful transfer of this good practice to Greece.

The next day a study visit was organized to the Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia (IBV), a technology organization, member of i-Creo. There, several bio-machines and the products resulted from the collaboration of IBV with SMEs companies (in the framework of i-Creo) were presented.

The main aspects of the workshop was the European program on supporting Research for SMES under the 7^th FP, the European program on Region of Knowledge and Eco-Innovation and the Human Resource Expertise. This particular workshop attracted the interest of people from Regional Knowledge Organizations (Universities and Research Centers), enterprises and representatives from the Technical Chamber of Greece, the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), the Region of Western Greece and from the Chamber of Commerce have been invited to participate in the IEW.

Mr. George Tsovolos presented the scope, aims and the main activities of MiniEurope project, how this Interreg IVC Initiative could contribute towards the development of SMEs on the 8 cooperative European regions. Mini Europe project was presented to an audience consisted of local stakeholders, representatives of local and regional authorities, owners and staff of regional SMEs, researchers,  experts and  people interested to create their own business. 

Mini Europe project is in accordance with the main aims of Patras Science Park to contribute significantly and continuously towards the development of the Western Greece region, by supporting the creation and growth of small, innovative and technologically advanced companies and by, at the same time, implementing research and developmental Greek as well as European and inter-regional projects in cooperation with regional partners within the European Union.

1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE  

PARK OF ENERGY AWARENESS (PENA)    Presentation of Pena

2. LOCATION OF GOOD PRACTICE

Keratea, Attica Region, Greece

3. PRECISE THEME/ISSUE TACKLED BY THE PRACTICE

The Park of Energy Awareness (PENA) was created by the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving to give everyone a chance to see the various forms of renewable energy operating at full scale, to learn about the technologies used to harness them, and the resulting benefits for the environment and the humanity in general.

4. KEY WORDS 

energy, awareness, general public, renewable energy source, CRES

5. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE

PENA is integrated into the landscape and it was constructed with the smallest possible number of changes to the natural environment of the area. The boundary of the park is marked by a wooden pathway lit by photovoltaic cells. Along the route, visitors encounter educational displays and energy demonstration displays on the various forms of renewable energy. Two electric vehicles will be also available for the use of visitors with special needs.

The park was developed in the 3.01 MW Demonstration Wind Farm that CRES operates since 1998. The project was co-funded by the O. P. “Competitiveness” of the Greek Ministry of Development (Action 2.1.1 & 9.1.2) and the Greek State. The total budget rises to 2.453.299€.

CRES’ Park of Energy Awareness is the first integrated installation in Greece that offers a successful combination of informational, demonstrative and educational activities in Renewable Energy Sources.

PENA consists of 4 Educational Thematic Areas and 3 Technology Hubs fully equipped with state of the art demonstrative units.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE

6.1 Origin/background

Climate change is a fact for which we all share responsibility. We consume energy in all of our daily activities and while our energy needs increase along with technological progress, the Earth’s reserves are rapidly dwindling. Is there a solution?

Yes, there is: Renewable energy sources, inexhaustible energy sources which nature offers to us in abundance and which can solve the energy problem and protect the environment at the same time.

The Park of Energy Awareness- PENA was created by the CRES to give everyone a chance to see the various forms of renewable energy operating at full scale, to learn about the technologies used to harness them, and the resulting benefits for the environment and humanity.

6.2 Timescale

starting date of the action                     17-10-2003

date of completion of the action           31-10-2008

6.3 Bodies involved

1. Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving

2. Greek Ministry of Development/ General Secretariat for Research & Technology

3. Special Secretariat for Competitiveness / Management Authority

6.4. Problem tackled

The PENA project does not answer to a specific problem but fills an education-dissemination gap by establishing a model park with renewable energy components.

6.5 Target of the practice

1. Research – Technology

2. Adaptation of New Technologies

3. Energy

4. Value added for the local and regional development

5. Enhancement of society of knowledge

6.6 Target groups

1. General public

2. Pupils and student

3. Engineers

6.7. Detailed content of the practice

PENA consists of 4 Educational Thematic Areas and 3 Technology Hubs fully equipped with state of the art demonstrative units. Pena is located in the 3.01 MW Demonstration Wind Farm that CRES operates since 1998.

Educational Thematic Areas:

• P1 – Facing the Wind

This thematic area is dedicated to wind energy and to its exploitation. There are 5 Wind Turbines (W/T) of various types at the PENA with a total installed capacity of 3,01 MW, two of which were manufactured in Greece. At the entrance to the area there is a horizontal axis W/T of 750 kW. The educational thematic area also includes a biomass system for space heating & domestic hot water production.

• P2 – Hydrogen

The technologies for the production, storage and use of hydrogen in combination with another renewable energy source are presented here. The Hydrogen educational area is equipped with a pilot plant for the production and storage of hydrogen produced by wind energy. It consists of a 25 kW electrolysis unit, with a hydrogen production capacity of up to 5 m3/h. This plant is the first research unit of this scale in Europe.

• P3 – Flowing Water

A Small Hydroelectric System has been installed in the area “Flowing Water” in order to familiarize us with Hydroelectric Power and the systems for producing and using it.

• P4 – Facing the Sun

It’s an area on solar energy, the best known renewable energy source in Greece. Here, we have the opportunity to we learn about the new technologies of solar energy utilisation, such as electricity production and air conditioning. In this area we can see:

A PV System for Water Pumping

A Solar Cooling Unit (desiccant evaporative cooling)

An Autonomous Hybrid (PV/Wind) Desalination Unit

A PV Solar Tracking System

Energy Technology Hubs

• K1 –The History of Renewable Energy Sources hub

This unit is located at the beginning of our route through the park. Here we learn what renewable energy sources are and the relevant technologies. We learn how people used them in the past and how they are used today.

• K2 –Geothermal Energy hub

Here we learn about the forms of geothermal energy and how it is used. A small glass enclosure has been built at this energy hub where a Geothermal Heat Pump for space heating and cooling has been installed.

• K3 –Other Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency hub

This last, but not least, hub of our route is dedicated to technologies and applications for renewable energy sources exploitation, which are still in the research or pilot phase and which represent a challenge for the future.

Central Building

The main building at PENA which includes an auditorium for 45 people, fully equipped with state of the art multimedia systems for training programmes and seminars.

6.8. Legal framework

▪ Operation by Centre for Renewable Energy Sources

6.9. Financial framework

3rd Community Support Framework 2000-2006

OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME “COMPETITIVENESS”

European Regional Development Fund / Measure 2.1

7. EVALUATION

7.1. Main strengths

▪ PENA is integrated into the landscape and it was constructed with the smallest possible number of changes to the natural environment of the area.

▪ Demonstrational Units operating at full scale

▪ The park is operating under the supervision of CRES’ highly qualified scientific and technical personnel

7.2 Main weaknesses

Since PENA is located in a full scale Wind Park the weather conditions  influence the available visiting days

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

www.penaproject.gr

II. TRANSFERABILITY OF THE PRACTICE

8. KEY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REGIONAL CONTEXT 

CRES’ Park of Energy Awareness is the first integrated installation in Greece that offers a successful combination of informational, demonstrative and educational activities in Renewable Energy Sources. The renewable energy sources technologies used installed the park, are demonstration units operating at full scale.

9. GENERAL JUDGEMENT OF THE PRACTICE

9.1. Degree of Innovation          ++

9.2. Transferability                     ++

9.3. Cost/benefit ratio                 0

10. CONTACT

Regional Content Manager

a)Chrysostomos Stylios

Tel: +30 2610911553

E-mail: stylios@psp.org.gr

b) George Tsovolos

Tel: +30 2610911560

E-mail: tzovolos@gmail.com

Additional Contact Persons

a) Ms Eftichia Tzen

Tel:+30 2106603361

E-mail:etzen@cres.gr

b) Dr Ioannis Vougiouklakis

 Tel:+30 2106603320

E-mail:ivougiou@cres.gr

c) Ms Effie Korma

Tel: +302106603319

E-mail:ekorma@cres.gr

1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE

Energy Upgrade of the Administration Building of C.R.E.S

2. LOCATION OF GOOD PRACTICE

Pikermi, Greece.

3. PRECISE THEME/ISSUE TACKLED BY THE PRACTICE

The Energy Upgrade of the Administration Building of C.R.E.S addresses the issue of energy upgrading the existing building stock. Specifically the project focuses on retrofitting techniques for the external envelope of buildings.

4. KEY WORDS

Retrofitting, building envelope, awareness, sponsorship.

5. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE

The project aims to demonstrate and promote, among engineers, building owners and contractors, options of energy saving techniques for the external envelope of existing buildings.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE

6.1 Origin/background

In the framework of the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in Greece, the Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) completed a study for the energy upgrade of its existing administration building. Established manufacturers of building materials were informed of the study and offered to fully sponsor the realization of the project. The Division of Development Projects has undertaken the management of the project.

6.2 Timescale

Completion of energy study                                 April – June 2008

Construction phase                                              June – October 2009

Educational and promotional activities  October – December 2009

6.3 Bodies involved

The Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) is the Greek national entity for the promotion of renewable energy sources, rational use of energy and energy conservation, monitored by the Ministry of Development. CRES is the owner of the project and has also undertaken its general management and scientific support.

The practice is fully sponsored by the following companies:

Polykem: distributor and supplier of insulation products and other building materials.

Alumil: aluminium extrusion group and manufacturer of aluminium systems for architectural use.

Dow: manufacturer of insulation products and a wide range of building materials.

Isomat: manufacturer of building chemicals and insulation products.

6.4. Problem tackled

The Administration building of CRES was constructed in the early ‘80s. Similarly to many buildings of the same period its external envelope was characterised by low thermal properties and several defects. Specifically, insulation on external walls was insufficient, no thermal insulation was used on any part of the roof and windows allowed extreme air leakage. In addition there was no provision for solar control in the majority of openings. All the above resulted in high energy consumption for conditioning the building throughout the year.

Another problem addressed by the practice is the low rate of energy upgrades in existing buildings across the country. Building owners, engineers and contractors are not aware of the available energy saving systems and materials or are reluctant to use them as they are unfamiliar with the processes involved or the expected benefits. 

6.5 Target of the practice

The practice aims to educate and sensitise the public on the issue of energy saving in buildings through demonstrating available and mature solutions and technologies. The completion of the project also coincides with the launch of a subsidy programme by the Ministry of Development for energy upgrades on existing buildings. In this way the practice will function as a pilot project. In addition the promotion of benefits linked with energy saving building solutions will lead to a greater demand of such products and services thus stimulating, in the long-term, the sustainable building sector.

6.6 Target groups

The groups targeted through the practice are building owners as well as engineers and contractors working in the building sector.

6.7. Detailed content of the practice (incl. process and methods used)

With EPDB coming into force in Greece CRES decided to proceed with a pilot project setting the example of a good practice for the energy upgrade of an existing building. The Administration building was selected as the oldest building owned by CRES and also the one with the highest energy needs. It is also a building open to the public that is often visited by representatives of the state, engineers and school students attending events organised by CRES.

The project started with an energy audit monitoring the building’s current behaviour, followed by an energy study that examined the optimum upgrades on the envelope of the building. State of the art thermal simulation software was used for the study. The final proposal included:

- the application of 5cm of extruded polystyrene (XPS) on all external walls (external thermal insulation composite system – ETICS)

- the addition of 10 cm of XPS on all roofs,

- the replacement of all windows and doors with new units featuring aluminium frames with thermal break and double, low-e glazing offering both insulation and solar control

- the construction of a small green roof

After the study was finalised a group of building material manufacturers offered to implement the project following the specifications given in the study. The sponsors provided all the materials needed and covered all labour costs. During several meetings the engineers of both CRES and the participating companies collaborated and exchanged know – how in order to determine the optimum solutions and detailing for a range of practical problems. All the techniques used should be based on mature technologies, readily available in the market so that the practice could be easily reproduced in a wide scale.

After construction is finalised a number of dissemination activities are planed in order to inform the public including:

- seminars and presentations

- printed material

- publication of technical articles

- presentation through CRES’ website

6.8. Financial framework

The cost of the construction is sponsored by the companies Polykem, Isomat, Dow and Alumil.

7. EVALUATION

7.1. Results and outputs of the practice

Average energy saving for cooling and heating of the building 40%

7.2. Main strengths

Among the strengths of the project is that it served as an opportunity for both research and application engineers to interact and share resources adding to the know-how and experience of all parties involved. In addition the practice will reach a wide part of the public due to CRES’ experience on dissemination and educational activities and to the fact that it involves a building open to the public.

7.3 Lessons learned from the practice

Through the project the importance of full scale pilot projects was once again proven. Many building owners and engineers had heard of energy saving measures in buildings but never had the chance to see an application up close and be informed about it and other available options.

7.4 Recommendations for improvement:

The upgrade of the building can be completed in a second phase by implementing energy saving measures through the retrofitting of building systems such as the lighting and HVAC systems.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

http://www.cres.gr

II. TRANSFERABILITY OF THE PRACTICE

8. KEY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REGIONAL CONTEXT

The Energy Upgrade of the Administration Building of C.R.E.S was successful as it refers to a market were mature technological solutions are available, however, the groups involved still lack in awareness and experience.

9. OTHER KEY FACTORS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE GOOD PRACTICE

The necessary applications should be readily available in the market of the region in question, along with engineers and contractors familiar with the principles of sustainability and the techniques involved.

10. GENERAL JUDGEMENT OF THE PRACTICE

10.1. Degree of Innovation   +

10.2. Transferability              ++

10.3. Cost/benefit ratio        ++

11. CONTACT

Regional Content Manager

a) Chrysostomos Stylios

Tel: +30 2610911553

E-mail: stylios@psp.org.gr

b) George Tsovolos

Tel: +30 2610911560

E-mail: tzovolos@gmail.com

Additional Contact Persons

a) Ms Vicky Sagia

Tel: +302106607427

E-mail: vsagia@cres.gr

b) Mr Kostas Laskos

Tel:+302106607413

E-mail:  klaskos@cres.gr

c) Dr Dimitris Papastefanakis

Tel:+302106603245

E-mail: dpapas@cres.gr

Apart from the good practice descrition, the catalogue also contains a judgement on the transferability of the practices.

The practices are now available here:  Mini Europe good practice catalogue update May 2011

1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE
Regional Innovation Pole of Western Greece (RIP-WG)

2. LOCATION OF GOOD PRACTICE

Region of Western Greece (RWG), Greece

3. PRECISE THEME/ISSUE TACKLED BY THE PRACTICE

To organize and strengthen the bonds between the Research/Technological and Enterprise Institutions of the Region of Western Greece (RWG) by initiating and implementing activities that will enhance the technological and innovation performance of the RWG and the SMEs of the Region will become more competitive.

Region of Western Greece include well known scientific, research and technological entities, with many innovative organizations, Knowledge Producing Organizations, such as the University of Patras, Greek Open University, Research Institutes (RACTI, FORTH/ICEHT, ISI) and Technological Education Institutions. There are also Innovative Enterprises mainly of ICT sector and there are also other Enterprises in absolute need of innovation for their viability and growth. It is common faith between the participating actors in the RIP-WG the central role of Knowledge–Education for business dexterity and supporting Innovation.

The participating institutes that collaborate to execute the RIP-WG targets represent the critical mass of the RWG’s technological potential. It should be mentioned that into the RIP-WG participate all the regional structures of innovation. This fact ensures its success, with coordinative – unionist role by Patras Science Park (PSP). RIP-WG gives the possibility to the participating institutions to apply integrated approach for the promotion of innovation in regional level combined with the particular financial instruments

4. KEY WORDS
Innovation, Technology Transfer, SMEs, Research Institutions.

5. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE

The three priority axis of the project are:

Axis I. Technologies of Computing and Communications

• Computing-Telecommunications: Security of calculating systems and networks. Incorporated calculating, telecommunications and controlling systems. Interactive services for the public. Computing and telecommunications (broadband networks).
• Transports: International combined transports.

Axis II. Safety and Technologies of Foods

• Certification of major competitive agriculture, livestock, and piscatorial products.
• Technologies and quality of foods: Quality of agricultural products and piscicultures.

Axis III. Environmental Management and Protection

• Clean and renewable forms of energy.
• Energy-saving technologies in buildings.
• Economizing on natural resources with the use of new advanced materials.
• Management of infrastructures and environmental repercussions.
• Management and exploitation of waste

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE
6.1  Origin/background

The creation of a Regional Innovation Pole aims to the strengthening of the bonds between regional research, technological and business partners. The Region of Western Greece (RWG) contains all the above factors in high density. The strengthening of their links, together with the further development of the infrastructure and activities concerning innovation and applied research, may lead to an important expansion of knowledge-based businesses.

Regional Innovation Pole of Western Greece (RIP-WG) created under the supervising authority General Secretariat for Research & Technology, Ministry of Development. RIP-WG played an intermediate and facilitator role between the research institutions of the region and the SMEs, to transfer the existing knowledge and innovation from the Institutes to the enterprises of the region.

Despite the internationalization of business activities and the development of international partnerships, innovation and R&T continue to a great extent to de developed locally through the cooperation between SMEs and research institutes. These collaborations tend to be more effective when the partners who develop them cooperate in such a way that their joint actions and international recognisability are used wisely, thus acquiring an important technological and commercial feature.

The theoretical background for the creation of Regional Innovation Poles based on the cross-correlation of two basic notions for the development and improvement of business dexterity of SMEs: the networks of innovation (clusters) and the cooperative networks (networking). It is a fact that both of them are new tools for supporting regional development, via the activation, diffusion and extension of locally produced knowledge. These two notions are focused in effective learning and in the disposal of all types of knowledge (tacit knowledge, coded, scientific or empiric) in different territorial or organisational structures.

6.2  Timescale
1/11/2006 until 15/12/2008

6.3  Bodies involved
– Small and Medium Enterprises of Western Greece
– Research Institutes
– Universities
– Technological Educational Institutes
– Regional Authorities
– Chambers of Commerce
– Organizations that promote innovation to SMEs

6.4. Problem tackled
Initially, the SMEs of the region were conservative to adopt new methods and innovations. Furthermore, considering the great number of participants, in the first period appeared some problems related to the coordination of all the simultaneously activities.

It is more than essential to support acts of collaboration and strengthen partnership between institutions which can be characterized as rather individualist and lacking common vision which would bring added value to everyone. Mentality is a major factor which needs to be tackled and horizontal actions by the RIP, related to strategies and informal connections, and an overall promotion of the district are vital in order to show the region potential.  Some Weaknesses:

• Lack of collaborations-rapport: Development and projection of collaborations – the most that ever took place in the RWG- between institutions,
  researchers and businessmen.
• Individualism – unproductive mentalities: Projection of common visions that give added value to all.
• Viability of structure: Growth of vital and sensory organs in the body of IP-WG.

5.  Target of the practice
The creation of the Regional Innovation Pole of Western Greece refers in essence to the strengthening of the bonds between research, technological and business partners. Main objective was the activation of all the regional, research and educational organizations and business, for the first time in this region under the same project, so that through their collaboration, the whole region to obtained important advantages. The region of Western Greece (RWG) contains all the above factors in high density. The strengthening of their links, with the further development of the infrastructure and activities concerning innovation and applied research, may lead to an important expansion of knowledge-based businesses.

For this reason the creation and development of the Regional Innovation Pole of Western Greece was expected to decrease the difference in innovation rates between the RWG and the EU average and to increase competitiveness on an international level.

The targets set by the creation of RIP-WG are :

1. Unifying the forces of businesses, research centers and educational partners in order to develop activities dedicated to common final research or technological goals or to tackling common problems in a certain field.

2. Attributing, in the mid-run, a determining role to the private sector in terms of the development and competitiveness of the country. It should bear in mind the severe challenges faced in this sector, as to technological innovations, the speed with which they spread and the cost of application, as well as the level of competition which rises to a European and International standard.

3. Demonstrating, in the mid-run, the particular competitive advantages of the RWG and a long-term reduction of inequalities between regions. The present work aimed to support technological skills and distinctions in the major regional technological centers. This would lead to stimulate regional competitiveness, through enhancement of research, technological and innovation activities of the area, as well as relating activities of organizations and businesses which play an important role in these fields.

6.6  Target groups
Small and Medium enterprises, located in the Region of Western Greece, whose activities are common with the tree priority axes of the Regional Innovation Pole

6.7. Detailed content of the practice
All the activities of the participants in the project lied in the field of each one’s expertise in order to complement the objectives of the project. There were scientists in the laboratories at universities who transferred their research results into the SMEs. Furthermore, there were work teams that implemented the horizontal activities and all the promoting and dissemination actions (workshops, announcements in the newspapers and television, connection and networking with other national Innovation Poles, collaboration with Innovation poles of abroad). Moreover there was the administration team that coordinated the whole project (financial activities, communication with the Ministry, responsible for the timely delivery of the reports)

More specifically:
– Research & technological development consortium in priority areas for the Region
– Strengthening the infrastructures of public research and technological organisations
– Activities in preparation of assistance to research units in connection with the standardisation and commercial exploitation of research results
– Creation of Regional Technological Platforms
– Education – Training
– Horizontal Activities (HA)

Except for the research part of the project that took place at the Universities and Research Institution, there must be mentioned the importance of the Horizontal Activities of the project which were an important factor for the viability and further development of the Pole. An expertise team of Patras Science Park implemented the horizontal activities.

More specifically,:
– The Identification of the entity of Regional Innovation Pole of Western Greece
– Creation of a dynamic Developmental Plan of the project
– Networking with Region and authorities
– Internationalization of the Pole and regional business
– Strengthening of technological innovativon and competitiveness of regional entreprises
– Strategic Options Development Plan of RIP

6.8. Legal framework

Consortium of stakeholdersof the Region

• Important productive organisations, with absolute  emphasis on SMEs (participation of 60 businesses), among them:

Dynacomp SA, Infonet Ltd, E-codes SA, Ioniki Techn. Ltd, Sigma Shipping SA, Traction Transport Ltd, OLPA SA, Achaia Clauss SA, Kepenou Mills SA, Parthenon SA, Agrino Pistiolas SA, SAO SA, ADVENT Techn. SA, HELBIO SA, Blue Dev. Ltd, Inacces Networks SA, Triaina SA, Metalloplastiki Agriniou SA, PAVIPLAST SA, UNISOL SA, IQ Res. Dev, Aratos SA, Syrmet Ltd, Achaiki Corrab. Bank, etc.

• ALL the institutions of production of knowledge, research and technology.

(University of Patras, Hellenic Open University, Research Institutes: RACTI, FORTH/ICEHT, ISI and Technological Institutions: TEI of Patras and Mesolonghi),

• ALL existing structures of transfer of research, technology and innovation.

(Patras Science Park-PSP, Business Innovation Center -BIC) and other institutions (Regional Development Fund- RDF of RWG, Regional Association of Enterprises and Industries, Prefecture Enterprises for Development, etc.).

6.9. Financial framework
TOTAL BUDGET:                      4.392.662.54 euro
PUBLIC EXPENDITURE :        3.266.964,57 euro
PRIVATE PARTICIPATION:        1.125.698 euro

7. EVALUATION
7.1. Results and outputs of the practice (e.g. through indicators)
The creation and initial operation of the RIP-WG was completed, it offered important products and services, through several research consortiums, through enhance of infrastructures, the creation of enterprises of exploitation of knowledge, actions of education – training, the creation of specific technology platform and targeted horizontal activities.

7.2. Main strengths (success factors)
– Participation of all Research and Technological Institutions of RWG.
– Collaboration with Leaders of the Private Sector.
– Unifying role held by the Patras Science Park.
– Building the future upon the major competitive advantages of RWG.
– Demonstration of people’s dexterities and abilities.
– Creation of infrastructures.
– The role of the Region in the management of innovation is strengthened.

7.3  Main weaknesses
– Lack of cooperation- understanding: Development and promotion of broad cooperation among authorities, researchers, entrepreneurs
– Individualism-bad attitudes: Promotion of common vision that of proves added value to all of them.

7.4  Difficulties encountered
Because of the great number of participants there was much bureaucracy

7.5  Lessons learned from the practice
SMEs have to be more “open-minded” in new directions, and scientists more available in transferring their knowledge.

7.6  Recommendations for improvement
Less bureaucracy and more projects that will join different entities under the same target.

8. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

www.innopolewest.gr, www.psp.org.gr

9. CONTACT

Regional Content Manager
Prof. Petros Groumpos
Tel: +30 2610 911 551 
E-mail: groumpos@psp.org.gr

Contact Person 1
Prof Vagelis Papadakis 
Tel:+30 2610 911 571
E-mail: vgp@psp.org.gr

Contact Person 2
Prof. Chrysostomos Stylios 
Tel: +30 2610 911 553
E-mail: stylios@psp.org.gr

1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE
Innovative ICT applications to support the tourism sector of Ionian Islands  “Digital Ionian Islands”

2. LOCATION OF GOOD PRACTICE

Greece (Ionian Islands)

3. PRECISE THEME/ISSUE TACKLED BY THE PRACTICE

Regional development is a vital issue towards the accomplishment of the Lisbon Strategy goals. According to these goals, Europe must be “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy by 2010″. Under this perspective, EU regions need to maintain their economic prosperity and their regional development.

Information Communication Technologies (ICT) can be a key factor for promoting economic growth. Especially for tourism economy-based regions, the adoption of ICT in the tourism sector, assists the produced outcomes, introduces innovation and facilitates the shift to a knowledge-based economy. However, it must be pointed out that the pure use of ICT is not a panacea, neither a simple process to follow. Economic performance can be resulted from a synchronised set of actions, aiming to create the right conditions for growth and innovation, and not from a single technology policy or institutional arrangement. The presented work had as a main aim to investigte how ICT can be used so as to boost tourism economy growth towards regional economic growth. In particular, the main assumption is that the tourism entrepreneurs have to develop and adapt ICT applications (e.g. promotion portals, e-presence, mobile services) tailored to their needs. The “Digital Ionian Islands” information environment, developed under the framework of Innovative Actions Program.

4. KEY WORDS

Information and communication technologies (ICT), information systems, travel, tourism, internet, world wide web (WWW), competitive advantage, e-services, m-services.

5. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE

Create of an advanced technological platform for the promotion of Region’s tourism and cultural product and for the provision of services to the tourism sector (so called “Digital Ionian Islands” action), in order to:

• Provide effective information to potential travellers
• Assist tourism entrepreneurs in the promotion of their offerings
• Provide useful and updated information to entrepreneurs

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE

The developed platform of information systems, includes several functionalities which are different, depending on the type of user. There exist three user groups having access to the system:

• Tourism entrepreneurs
• Content responsibles
• General public (tourists)

For each of the user groups the following functionalities are provided:

A. General Public (tourists)

• Search for cultural information (e.g. monuments, theatres etc)
• Search for tourism information (e.g. hotels, restaurants, beaches etc)
• Search for historical information
• Search for thematic tourism possibilities (e.g. offerings and possibilities for agrotourism, mari-tourism etc)
• Advanced search functionality (combinatorial queries, search for each island)
• Virtual Reality subsets of information (e.g. gis routes, multimedia presentations etc)
• Mobile services (specialised information provision through new generation mobile phones)

B. Tourism entrepreneurs

• First level presentation of their company (easily searched by the tourists)
• Advanced/specialised web presence of their company (easily searched by the tourists)
• Promotion of specialised offerings (easily searched by the tourists)
• E-consulting service (e.g. exhibitions, collaborations, programs, legislation etc)
• Automatic created periodical useful information

C. Content responsibles

• User friendly environment for the inclusion of information (tourism, cultural, historical) to the system
• Levels of check and acceptance for the content uploaded by local entrepreneurs
• Statistics concerning local companies and offerings

7. EVALUATION

There are 3 kinds of beneficiaries from the system actual usage. First of all tourists, who they can value such information environments. Within the last years, world widely, the usage of internet for the vacations organisation is increasing rapidly. The existence of an integrated and up-to-date environment providing all kinds of tourism information for the region of Ionian Islands will raise great interest.

Secondly, tourism entrepreneurs who have shown significant interest to the Digital Ionian Islands information environment can directly benefit from the services offered.  Until now, a significant raise of interest has been show. A high level amount of businessmen have submitted their interest to gain access and they have started uploading information. In the same time several information events have been organised in the Ionian Islands. In all these events the participation of local businessmen was very notable and the interest concerning the pilot use of the system and its future continuous presence was raised.

Last but not least, such projects are valuable tools for the regional administration in order to support their activities to further enhance their economy and promote the regional tourism and cultural product. The Regional Authority of Ionian Islands and the Regional Tourism Corporation consider the Digital Ionian Islands as a very important step towards Region’s economic growth and as a catalyst to help it achieve coherence with other EU regions.

8. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

www.e-ionia.gr
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2006/documentation.cfm?nmenu=25#

9. CONTACT

Regional Content Manager 
Chrysostomos Stylios 
Tel: +302610911553 
E-mail: stylios@psp.org.gr

Contact Person 1
John Garofalakis 
Tel: +302610960317 
E-mail: garofala@cti.gr

Contact Person 2
Andreas Koskeris 
Tel:+302610960429
E-mail: Koskeris@westgate.gr