Within the framework of the HELIX-SMART project, two focus groups were organised in Patras and one in Brindisi to support the validation of the GR-IT Innovation Ecosystem Evaluation & Assessment Tool.
The first session, held on 23 March 2026, brought together representatives of SMEs, universities, public authorities and civil society. Organised by the Chamber of Achaia as part of Deliverable 3.1, the meeting enabled participants to validate the tool through discussion, feedback and scoring, fostering open dialogue among key actors of the regional innovation ecosystem.
A second focus group followed on 3 April 2026, organised by the Industrial Systems Institute / ATHENA Research Center. Under the title “Assessment of the Innovation and Smart Transition Ecosystem”, the session gathered regional authorities, SMEs, and members of the academic and research community. The methodology was presented across nine thematic dimensions, followed by a demonstration of the assessment questionnaire.
Through these participatory activities, HELIX-SMART strengthens cooperation among innovation actors and supports the development of more effective tools for digital transformation, sustainable growth and smart transition in key sectors such as ICT, tourism and the blue economy.
