International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills

June 6, 2021. “Innovative Technologies and Smart Ports” event took place on 3 June, at the International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills in Thessaloniki, in collaboration with Cisco and MTIS.

The event focused on issues regarding Greek ports, in order to inform those responsible for the operation of ports, regarding digital transformation of ports. Such transformation will lead to the creation of smart and resilient/sustainable ports, with economic, environmental and social added value.

Technological solutions and best practices from ports abroad, such as the Rotterdam Port Authority and others were also presented in the context of the event.

High-ranking executives of Port Authorities (Presidents, Strategic Planning Managers, Chief Information Officers, etc.), representatives of the Coast Guard and market executives specializing in Shipping attended the event.

Greece can offer technological solutions for the new port model in order to create added value for businesses, society and the environment, prioritizing port evolution, which is considered necessary for the development of digital transformation in ports.

Antonis Tsiboukis, General Manager of Cisco, noted: “I would like to stress that when the implementation of digital transformation began, some sectors adapted more easily to the transition, such as banks, e-commerce, technology and IT companies. In 2015 we conducted a study with IMD University of Switzerland, and found that some other sectors would be late to enter the “maelstrom” of digital transformation. Sectors such as shipping, heavy industry, logistics. However, we see that in the context of rapid development of technology, quickly and in order for them to remain competitive and productive, they create new business plans based on information and communication technologies. Shipping and ports will play an important role in the development of the country and we wish to help with the development of specialized technologies in them.”

In his presentation, George Marinakis, Managing Director of MTIS, stated: “We expect to provide effective solutions and answers in order to create modern port models with economic, environmental and social added value, by using best practices and modern approaches.”

In his presentation, Kostas Katsafados, Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, noted: “Over the past few years, maritime and port industry have already been experiencing significant changes in the range of their activities due to technological, business and organizational developments. The aim is to respond to the challenges of the future and to transform our ports into smart ports and at the same time to create competitive and well-paid jobs in this new era, with employees who can meet the new business environment requirements.”

Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister for Macedonia – Thrace, stated: “The coming world is digital. Both the port of Thessaloniki and other ports of the country will have to operate in that world. We should adapt, train ourselves and invest in what is to come.”

Maria Antoniou, Head of the Prime Minister's Office in Thessaloniki, noted in her opening remarks: “I am glad that this initiative will help the government unfold its plan for the operation of ports, their digital transformation and the creation of smart, resilient and sustainable ports with economic, environmental and social added value. The smart and green port of the future has begun to take shape through huge investments.”

Gioutikas Konstantinos, Deputy Regional Governor for Development and the Environment, Region of Central Macedonia, noted: “For the region of Central Macedonia, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting innovative products and services and using digital technology are strategic choices and the central axes to which our strengths and financial tools are targeted. Our aim is to open new economic horizons with an international orientation so that the economy of the region flourishes, thrives and becomes extroverted. We deeply believe in the momentum that may be imparted by large private investments. Investments such as those of Cisco in Thessaloniki are crucial as they underpin the development on a daily basis, while bringing us day by day closer to the goal of economic upgrading of the whole of Central Macedonia.”

Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, Secretary-General for Ports, Ports Policy and Maritime Investments of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, stated: “The evolution of ship technology is so closely associated with ports that we cannot plan how the shipbuilding industry can be developed in the future if at the same time we cannot see how the port industry will also be developed. The environmental conditions that require the reduction of greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere as well as other environmental regulations that have been adopted and will be adopted in the near future will establish requirements for propulsion of ships by use of alternative fuels. We need to look at the supply chain as a whole, consider the link called port and the link called ship, and integrate them into the supply chain management so that we can improve our transport.”

June 5, 2021. New memoranda of understanding were signed on June 4 by representatives of the Municipality of Preveza, the Hellenic-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, Professional and Industry Chamber of Northern Greece, the MOMus-Experimental Center of Arts and the Computer Networks & Services Research Laboratory (CoNSeRT) of the University of West Attica, with the International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills in Thessaloniki.

Following the memoranda of understanding signed last April, the Center continues to develop its activity, collaborating with a number of Organizations and Bodies, thus expanding its work and opportunities for the design of unique digital transformation solutions and the production of innovation.

Overall, the goal of the memoranda of understanding is the joint development, research, dissemination and training in digital transformation technologies, the creation of innovative solutions to everyday problems related to the functioning of society, as well as cooperation with relevant bodies abroad. Also important actions will be implemented for the promotion of digital culture and its assistance through digital media. More specifically, the memoranda of cooperation provide, inter alia:

• Elaboration of research and studies and development of innovative programs and pilot technological applications.
• Creating educational programs for cutting-edge technologies and creative economy.
• Utilization of international networks for the development of cooperation between local companies and their counterparts abroad.
• Organizing national and international events.
• Co-organization of training seminars and other educational activities in order to develop specialized knowledge and skills according to the future needs of the labor market.
• Participation in research projects related to the future of work, entrepreneurship, education and digital transformation.
• Application of technological solutions in the implementation of cultural actions

Representatives of Bodies

• The Municipality of Preveza was represented by the Mayor of Preveza, Nikolaos Georgakos
• The Hellenic-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, Trade and Industry of Northern Greece was represented by the President of the Chamber, Konstantinos Georgakos
• The MOMus-Experimental Arts Center was represented by the President of MOMus, Andreas Takis
• The Computer Networks & Services Research LaboraTory (CoNSeRT) of the University of West Attica was represented by the Director of the laboratory, Charalambos Patrikakis.

May 19, 2021. The International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills of Cisco, in collaboration with IEK Delta360, organized the 3rd event of Digital Talks @ DT&S, on Wednesday, May 19 with the theme "Women in the IT industry".

Women have entered the IT industry dynamically. They hold executive positions in companies in the field of Information Technology and Telecommunications, have a significant contribution to the research process of new technologies, while pioneering the establishment of start-ups and innovative companies.

However, the percentage of women in the professional and academic field of information technology remains relatively low, around 25%, which according to studies is estimated to decrease further, as a result of the crisis due to the pandemic. Today, women are distinguished and excel in the world of technology and communication and open new horizons, breaking the stereotypes of the past years.

The event was attended by:

• Olga Kritsima, General Manager, IEK Delta Group360
• Giota Paparidou, President of SEPE
• Marika Lambrou, Senior Business Advisor, Writer, BoD member at DEPA, Entersoft, Focus Bari
• Eleni Mavroidi, Director of Informatics, Bank of Greece
• Maria Boura, Director, Marketing, Communications, Government & Industry Relations, Ericsson / Women Leadership Hub co-founder
• Jenny Balatsinou, Co-Founder at ImpacTalk, Executive Consultant at Jenny.gr & Founder of Hautes Grecians
• Chara Kontaxi, CTO, Cisco
• Maria Antoniou, Director of the Office of the Prime Minister Thessaloniki
• Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, MEP
• Eva Kaili, MEP, Chair Science & Technology #C4AI #STOA European Parliament
• Katerina Notopoulou, Member of Parliament for Syriza party
• Katerina Karamtzoula, Professor at IEK Delta360
• Dimitra Dimitrakopoulou, Visitor, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Marie Curie Global Fellow, MIT Media Lab and University of Zurich
• Fotini Lambrogeorgou, Graduate of School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, NTUA
• Maggie Kontou, Co-founder, Simple Apps
• Ioanna Fotopoulou, Founder and GM, Pirate Scale

April 7, 2021. The Cisco International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills, in collaboration with CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, hosted the 2nd DigitalTalks@DT&S event on Wednesday, April 7 with the theme: “The Digital Transformation in Work, in Education, in our daily life”.

At the event were discussed issues such as:

• What will work and education look like in the post-COVID-19 era?
• What can be the positive effects and what problems will be created?
• How did the pandemic and the transition to digital work and education platforms affect employees and students?
• What is the necessary infrastructure needed to move to the era of the "hybrid model of work and education"?
• The pandemic has helped to adopt digital technologies in the field of work and education on a large scale. Combined with the acceleration of the digital transition, new opportunities and challenges are being created.

The event was attended by:

• Deputy Minister of Interior in charge of Macedonia-Thrace, Mr. Stavros Ath. Kalafatis
• President, City College, University of York Europe Campus, Mr. Ioannis Ververidis
• Deloitte, Director of Human Resources, Ms. Domniki Kavatziki
• City College, University of York Europe Campus, Prof. Petros Kefalas, Vice President (Education)
• Fraport Greece, Head of ΙΤ & Τelecoms, Mr. Ioannis Theofilos
• Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Welfare, Minister Kostis Hatzidakis
• Hellenic Open University, President Odysseas Zoras
• Digital Nomads, Jerome Bajou, workfromnaxos.gr
• University of York, Professor of Mental Health, Dr Lina Gega
• Medical School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor of Psychiatry, Mr. Konstantinos Fountoulakis

April 7, 2021. Memoranda of Understanding were signed on April 7 by representatives of the Municipalities of Pylaia-Chortiatis and Alexandroupolis, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Macedonia and the University of Patras, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Thessaloniki, the Thessaloniki Professional Chamber, the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Thessaloniki, as well as CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, with the International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills in Thessaloniki.

Overall, the goal of the memoranda of understanding is the joint development, research, dissemination and training in digital transformation technologies, the creation of innovative solutions to everyday problems related to the functioning of society, as well as cooperation with relevant bodies abroad. More specifically, the memoranda of cooperation provide, inter alia:

• Elaboration of research and studies and development of innovative programs and pilot technological applications.
• Creating educational programs for cutting-edge technologies and creative economy.
• Utilization of international networks for the development of cooperation between local companies and their counterparts abroad.
• Organizing national and international events.
• Co-organization of training seminars and other educational activities in order to develop specialized knowledge and skills according to the future needs of the labor market.
• Participation in research projects related to the future of work, entrepreneurship, education and digital transformation.

Representatives of Bodies

• The Municipality of Pylaia-Chortiatis was represented by the Mayor, Mr. Ignatios Kaitezidis
• The Municipality of Alexandroupolis was represented by the Mayor, Mr. Giannis Zampoukis.
• The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was represented by the Vice Rector, Mr. Efstratios Stylianidis
• The University of Macedonia was represented by the Rector, Mr. Stylianos Katranidis
• The University of Patra was represented by the Rector, Mr. Christos I. Bouras
• The Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry was represented by the President, Mr. Giannis Masoutis
• The Thessaloniki Professional Chamber was represented by the President, Mr. Michael Zorpidis
• The Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Thessaloniki was represented by the President, Mr. Christos Sarantopoulos
• The CITY College, University of York Europe Campus was represented by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. George Stratigakis

We warmly thank the company "Lever - Development Consultants SA", a member of the "Samaras & Associates" Group, for its support in the operation of the Center and its participation in the organization of the signing of memoranda of understanding.

March 11, 2021. We would like to inform you that the beginning of the courses of the CCNA no. 7 Tuesday & Thursday, will take place on Tuesday 16/03 at 18:00.

The training will be implemented every Tuesday & Thursday with a schedule: 18:00-21:45 (except on public holidays). The course will be conducted Online Live, through the Webex platform. An invitation will be sent by email from the lecturer, shortly before 6:00 p.m.

The WebEx platform enables you to:

•  Watch your lecturer live.
•     See the presentation of the course, as well as the notes of the lecturer.
•     Do the workshops, as your lecturer will inform you.
•     Communicate with your lecturer by asking questions at the same time live or via chat.

Note: Based on the status, the courses will currently be implemented only Online Live. When the measures are lifted, you will be informed again about the implementation of the lifelong learning courses.

March 10, 2021. The actions of the International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills in Thessaloniki.

March 3, 2021. The inaugural Digital Talks event took place on Wednesday, March 3 at 15:00 with the theme "5G Greece is changing speed, Challenges and Opportunities", with the participation of the Peace Journalism Laboratory - Department of Journalism, Media of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and DCN Global.

The introduction and operation of the fifth generation 5G networks, the importance, the usefulness, professional and financial opportunities of 5G and in general of the technological developments in Greece. The action of 5G as a catalyst and multiplier of the digital transformation of Greek society, smart cities, the Internet of Things, as well as its impact on education, smart agriculture, economy, etc.

March 2, 2021. Interview of Nikos Lambrogeorgos - Senior Account Manager, Public Sector Cisco Greece on ERT.

September 11, 2020. The International Center for Innovation and Development of Digital Skills was visited today by the Minister of Environment of Northern Macedonia, Mr. Naser Nuredini.

July 20, 2020. The first robotics courses for children and CCNA (Cyber Security) for adults started today at the International Center for Innovation and Development of Digital Skills. On the occasion of the beginning of the courses, the Center was visited by the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Zervas.