SYNDESMOS VIOMICHANION THESSALIAS & STEREAS ELLADOS

Their core work

The Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece is a regional industry body that delivers innovation support services to Greek SMEs, particularly through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). Their core work involves helping small and medium-sized companies access EU funding instruments such as the SME Instrument, Fast Track to Innovation, and FET-Open calls. They provide Key Account Management (KAM) services — hands-on coaching that guides SMEs through the innovation lifecycle from idea to market, acting as a bridge between Greek industry and EU research funding opportunities.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2015-2016), the association focused on foundational EEN service delivery — building general innovation management capacity and establishing Key Account Management for Greek SMEs. From 2019 onward, their scope visibly broadened to include specific EU funding pathways: SME Instrument, Fast Track to Innovation, and FET-Open appear as explicit focus areas. This shift suggests they moved from general innovation support toward targeted coaching on specific high-impact funding instruments.

They are deepening their specialization in guiding SMEs toward specific EU innovation funding instruments, making them increasingly valuable as a regional entry point for companies seeking FTI or EIC-type support.

How they like to work

They participate exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator, which is typical for regional EEN nodes operating within a larger Greek national consortium. With 12 partners across only 1 country, their collaboration network is entirely domestic — they work repeatedly with the same Greek EEN partners across consecutive Enhancement grant agreements. This makes them a reliable, embedded partner within the Greek innovation support ecosystem rather than an independent consortium builder.

Their network of 12 unique partners is entirely Greece-based, reflecting their role within a national EEN consortium. They are a regional node collaborating with other Greek chambers, industry associations, and technology transfer offices across the Enhancement project series.

What sets them apart

As the industry association for Thessaly and Central Greece, they offer direct access to the manufacturing and industrial SME base of a region that includes the Volos industrial corridor. For anyone building a consortium that needs a Greek regional industry partner — especially one that can mobilize SMEs for pilot testing, validation, or market uptake — this association provides an established channel. Their sustained EEN involvement since 2015 means they have vetted relationships with hundreds of local companies.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Enhancement SGA4
  The most recent (2020-2021) and mature iteration of their EEN work, covering the broadest range of EU instruments including FET-Open and Fast Track to Innovation.
• ENHANCEMENT 2015-16
  Their foundational H2020 project that established their role in the Greek EEN ecosystem and innovation capacity building for SMEs.