With the participation of representatives of the political leadership, the scientific community, education executives, and representatives of the Regional Directorates of Education from across the country, the conference entitled “Innovation Centres: Review, Outcomes and Prospects” was held on Saturday, 9 May 2026, in the “Galateia Saranti” Hall of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports in Marousi.
The conference marked the culmination of the implementation of the initiative for the development of Innovation Centres by the Computer Technology Institute and Press “Diophantus” (CTI “Diophantus”), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports and the 13 Regional Directorates of Education. It highlighted both the results and experience gained, as well as the prospects for the further development and sustainability of the institution.
The opening of the conference proceedings was declared by the Secretary General for Primary, Secondary Education and Special Education of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Mr. Giannis Papadomarkakis, who emphasized that “Innovation Centres constitute a flagship initiative that brings students into contact with cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and modern digital fabrication technologies.” At the same time, as he noted, “Innovation Centres create a broad ecosystem of knowledge and collaboration, connecting schools, universities, research institutions, local communities, and European education and innovation networks.” He also placed particular emphasis on the fact that these activities are offered through experiential and inclusive approaches, strengthening the participation of all students and substantially contributing to educational equality. Referring to the Ministry’s strategy, he pointed out that “innovation in education is neither a fragmented intervention nor a technological end in itself. It is an essential prerequisite for a school that is open to knowledge, contemporary challenges, and the constantly evolving demands of society and the digital era, always placing the student at its center. Our goal is a public school that does not merely follow developments but actively participates in shaping them — a school that cultivates skills, self-confidence, a spirit of inquiry, and creative thinking.”
During the conference, the design, development, and evaluation of the initiative were presented, together with the contribution of the Innovation Centres to shaping a new learning model focused on the student and the learning experience. Through multidisciplinary learning environments and the use of modern digital tools, the Innovation Centres create conditions for active participation, collaboration, and experiential learning, strengthening the connection between knowledge, creativity, and innovation.
The President of CTI “Diophantus,” Professor Dimitris Serpanos, in his brief address, referred to the project’s objective of linking education with innovation. “Innovation in education — and education in Innovation,” he stated characteristically, adding that the Innovation Centres constitute an important step forward both for knowledge and for the use of new technologies.
The Project Manager and Vice President of CTI “Diophantus,” Professor Zacharoula Smyrnaiou, presented the course of implementation and operation of the Innovation Centres within the 13 Regional Directorates of Education, highlighting the significant response of the educational and student communities and the momentum already developed at both national and European levels. “At the center,” she noted, “is the student himself or herself, who does not simply observe learning, but experiences it.”
Subsequently, members of the Project’s Scientific Committee delivered presentations regarding the role of cutting-edge technologies and contemporary pedagogical approaches in shaping new learning experiences, while best practices and conclusions drawn from the implementation of the initiative were also presented.
Particular interest was generated by the two round-table discussions held during the conference. In the first, with the participation of the project team, the pedagogical, organizational, and operational dimensions of implementing the Innovation Centres were discussed, as well as the challenges and next steps of the initiative. In the second round-table discussion, representatives of the Regional Directorates of Education exchanged experiences and proposals regarding the sustainability and future development of the institution, reaffirming the importance of continuing and further strengthening the initiative.
Special emphasis was placed on the contribution of the Innovation Centres to reducing educational inequalities, as they provide access to high-quality learning experiences for students from diverse geographical and social backgrounds, thereby strengthening equal participation in education. At the same time, it was highlighted that the initiative is aligned with European priorities for the digital transformation of education and with the objectives of quality and inclusive education for all.
The conference concluded with the shared acknowledgment that the Innovation Centres constitute a substantial investment in the future of learning and an important tool for transforming the educational process in the country.
The initiative “Development of Innovation Centres in 13 Regional Directorates of Education” is implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility.
