Δελτία Τύπου

Press Release

SFF Summit 2024 - Athenian Nexus:
 A Two-Day Celebration for the European Ecosystem of Entrepreneurship

The two-day entrepreneurship and innovation "Start For Future Summit 2024: The Athenian Nexus" successfully concluded on May 17, 2024, bringing together a diverse and dynamic audience of academics, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and startups in the heart of Athens. The Summit, organized by the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACE) of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), was hosted at the Athens Conservatoire (May 16), and the premises of ACE (May 17). This was the fourth annual gathering of the Start For Future (SFF) Coalition, a growing multi-stakeholder network that has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic and fastest-growing innovation alliances promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Focusing on DeepTech, Circular Economy, as well as Culture & Tourism, the Summit promoted cross-sectoral synergies and novel ideas that may redefine innovation and foster sustainable entrepreneurship with a positive societal impact on a European scale. Throughout the two days of the Summit, the participants had the chance to attend insightful panel discussions, presentations, and startup pitches, engage in one-to-one match-making meetings, take part in hands-on workshops, and enjoy various networking opportunities.

The Summit was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece; Prof. Dimitrios Bourantonis, Rector of AUEB; and Ms. Milena Stoycheva, former Minister of Innovation & Growth of Bulgaria, and founding member of the SFF Coalition.

Day 1 of the Summit was primarily focused on strengthening the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem in Europe. Key focal points of the two initial panel discussions were the impact of targeted policy initiatives and the distinctive role various critical stakeholders may have in promoting and fostering innovative entrepreneurship. The attention then shifted to the challenges of promoting spin-offs, and building bridges among the national and regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. The last panel of the day featured the presentation of the SFF vision and mission for the next chapter of the SFF Coalition. The managing board of the SFF Cooperative, Ms Pavlina Vujovic, Mr. Nicholas Fanin, and Dr. Stratos Baloutsos, presented their plans and issued an open invitation to participate in SFF and co-create the future of the European innovation ecosystem.

 

The first day concluded with the highly anticipated Investor Day, which brought together investors and startups/entrepreneurial teams from all over Europe. The participating teams had the chance to pitch their ideas to an audience of potential investors, receive valuable feedback, and establish partnerships with prominent members of the investment community.

On Day 2 of the summit, a Policy-Recommendation Workshop took place, with a focus on collaboratively identifying challenges and root causes, developing solutions, and brainstorming policy recommendations. The aim was to provide concrete and actionable steps to address the Mediterranean crisis. Participants worked in multi-stakeholder groups, exchanging ideas and creating proposals for sustainable development and innovation. The panel of the day was focused on research commercialization and the potential of the regional ecosystem. The discussion delved into the abundant talent pool available, the promising future that lies ahead, and also the necessary steps that need to be taken to realize it.

The second day concluded with the International Startup Competition: The “Athenian Agora” Awards, where 21 entrepreneurial teams presented their innovative solutions and received unique awards. The event hosted startups from all over Europe, offering a unique collaboration platform for presenting innovative solutions and recognizing the most promising startups. The winning teams were Cordia, Kooti Agrivoltaics, Athletopia, Aegean Cargo Sailing & Find your Coach. The awards were sponsored by ACTIVE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, Boston Consulting Group & eQuality NGO.

Take a glimpse of what happened during the Summit here.

About ACE:

We provide entrepreneurial and research teams with a specialized staff of coaches, experts, scientists and mentors with deep market and technical expertise to accelerate product development and growth opportunities in the global market.

 

Organization:

    

The Athens University of Economics and Business, faithful to the values of social responsibility, extroversion and innovation, having as a strategic priority the upgrading of its services, developed the new 3D Virtual Walkthrough for its newest building on Trias Street.

The new application, designed to improve services and accessibility at the University, includes:

• ''Dollhouse'': The building in 3D visualization 
• ''VR Mode'': Virtual Reality walkthroug
• ''Measurements'': Ability to measure all spaces to check the accessibility of wheelchair users
• ''Floor Plan'': Free access to the floor plans of the building

The application, already available at https://my.thevivestia.com/tour/athens-university-of-economics-and-business, allows visitors to browse the Trias Building, search and find services and information from the specially designed menu, and communicate directly with the University through the ''Get In Touch'' form.  Moreover, in the ''Latest Videos'' section, the visitor can watch the latest spots of the Athens University of Economics and Business regarding internationalization and Erasmus+ Programs.

It is a web based application with material that is constantly updated and enriched and aspires to be a lively and welcoming virtual environment of the AUEB, accessible to everyone, in Greece and abroad.

This new 3D Virtual Tour Application was created in collaboration with the company ''Vivestia'' (luxury accommodation booking platform), by Andreas Gkinis, Marketing Partner and graduate of the Department of Marketing and Communication of the Athens University of Economics and Business, and the Vivestia team.

On the occasion of the innovative virtual tour application, the Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Professor Dimitris Bourantonis, emphasizes: "We work systematically to improve our services and the accessibility of our premises, with respect and care for our fellow citizens with special needs. At the same time, using modern media and channels, we aspire to constantly strengthen the image of the AUEB in the international educational arena. Our goal is a modern and innovative university environment that makes the best use of technology for the benefit of all."

 

Below is a brief presentation of the application:

https://my.thevivestia.com/tour/athens-university-of-economics-and-business

 

Press Release

International Conference on "Leadership and Management in the Digital Era" by the Athens University of Economics and Business, the Stevens Institute of Technology, and the Bodossaki Foundation

 

The Athens University of Economics & Business, the Stevens Institute of Technology, USA, and the Bodossaki Foundation are co-organizing, in Athens on June 19-20, 2023, an international conference on: "LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA: Shaping the Future of Work and Business Education ".

The conference is under the patronage of HE the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

At a time when digital technologies bring about significant changes to the way we work, the organization of businesses and generally in our way of life, the need for changes in education becomes particularly imperative. Especially in the field of Business Administration, international studies highlight the great demands of the digital age and the significant changes in the required skills of executives to respond to the new competitive environment.

This conference aims to highlight the most important of these developments in the field of management, leadership, and education. The two days of the conference are structured around the following areas:

• Leadership and Governance in the Digital Age, with sessions such as:

   ⚬ Leadership and Governance in the Digital Age,

   ⚬ Technology and Social Welfare in the Digital Age,

   ⚬ Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Digital Age,

   ⚬ Digital Know-how and Upgrading Skills,

   ⚬ Public Administration, etc.

 

• The Future of Work, with sessions such as:

   ⚬ Remote Work and Work-Life Balance,

   ⚬ Innovations in Production,

   ⚬ Human Resources Management in the Digital Age,

   ⚬ Fintech: Algorithms, Innovation and Policies in Financial Services,

   ⚬ Marketing in the Digital Age, etc.

 

• Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age, with sessions such as:

   ⚬ Organizational Transformation and Innovation,

   ⚬ Laying the Foundations for High Performance Organizations,

   ⚬ Startups, Innovation and University Research

 

• The future of Business Schools in the Digital Age, with sessions such as:

 ⚬ Sustainable Development and Education,

 ⚬ Marketing Education in the Digital Age,

 ⚬ The Future of Research in Management Schools,

 ⚬ Academic Program Innovations for the Digital Age, etc.

 

In addition to the research papers that will be presented during the conference the aim is to bring together academics with executives from organizations for fruitful dialogue and cooperation (through panel discussions) to address challenges and opportunities presented in the digital age.

Personalities of science and entrepreneurship are members of the International Program Committee of the Conference. Distinguished scientists from European universities (University of Oxford, London School of Economics, Copenhagen Business School, INSEAD, Stockholm School of Economics, ETH, Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Denmark, IESE, IE Business School, ESSEC, University of Leeds, Bayes, etc.) and not (University of Pennsylvania/ Wharton, Columbia University, Stanford University, Northwestern University/Kellogg, Case Western Reserve, Purdue University, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Rutgers University, George Washington University, University of California Davis, University of Miami, Ozyegin University, Keio University, University of Sao Paolo, etc.) attend the conference. At the same time, many senior executives of Greek and multinational companies (OTE, PeopleCert, Astra Zeneca, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, Roche, NatCap, Eurobank, Convert Group, e-Fresh, Danaos, Hellenic Development Investment Bank, Uni. fund, etc.) as well as executives of international organizations (UNESCO, OECD, Association of Information Systems, German Research center for Artificial Intelligence, Center to Advance Research in Financial Technologies, etc.). From Greece, apart from AUEB, researchers from NTUA, University of Athens, University of Patras, Technical University of Crete, Panteion University, Harokopion University, University of the Aegean, etc. are participating. Sponsors of the conference are OTE, PeopleCert, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, the Hellenic Development Investment Bank, Eurobank, Deloitte and AI Investments.

Communication Sponsor: Kathimerini

 

It is noted that from June 21 to 23, 2023, the Conference will continue in Syros, where it will be completed in the form of a research colloquium with the participation of academics, doctoral holders, and doctoral candidates.

For more information you may refer to the information sheet of the conference.

For registration and the detailed program you may visit the website of the conference: https://LMDE2023.org

For more information: Kyrezis Nikolaos, Athens University of Economics and Business, tel. + 30 210 8203297, e-mail: nkyrezis@aueb.gr, pr-office@aueb.gr

 

About Athens University of Economics and Business

With a hundred-year brilliant tradition of contributing to education, science, economics and society, the Athens University of Economics and Business enjoys high international recognition in the fields of Economics, Management and Information Technology. The international prestige and reputation of the University reflects the high level of teaching and research staff, the modern curricula it offers, the achievements of its students during their studies, the high employability of its graduates in the labor market and the distinct social contribution of the Institution.

Our goal is to offer high scientific training, range of knowledge and developed analytical abilities so that our graduates can claim and pursue with high expectations a successful career in the modern competitive environments of society and the labor market.

 

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is a research university in Hoboken, NJ, across the Hudson River from New York City. The university enjoys an elite reputation as The Innovation University. Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology ^TM, at Stevens, the impossible becomes possible. We take the spark of an idea and make it real.

Our students work together in interdisciplinary teams to create new products, solutions and services. Our faculty produce groundbreaking research that solves organizational and societal problems, and makes life safer, more secure and more comfortable. Our partners in industry work with us to transform business, create the future and tackle the big challenges.

The School of Business is the second largest school at Stevens. It offers 8 undergraduate programs, 11 Master’s programs, 3 Doctoral programs, as well as many dual degree programs with universities in Europe and Asia, and certificate programs for working professionals. With its technology-infused programs, cutting-edge research, and record employment metrics, it is recognized nationally as a leading business school at the intersection of business and technology. Stevens Business is home to CRAFT, the first-ever NSF center to advance research in financial technologies, and to MaCuDE, the AACSB-sponsored global initiative to revise the management curricula for the digital era.

On a green hilltop campus, just the right size and right across the river from New York City, we teach the next generations of leaders and thinkers — the dreamers and doers — to explore with their minds but also to follow their hearts. We teach them to innovate, anticipate, collaborate. We prepare them for careers and further education, prepare them to arrive and thrive in the real world. And they do thrive, spectacularly.

 

About Bodossaki Foundation

Bodossaki Foundation is a public benefit organisation founded in 1972 with the aim of continuing the contribution of its founder, Prodromos-Bodossakis Athanassiades, to the Greek society. Its vision is a society of equal opportunities and prospects for all.

To promote its vision, the Foundation funds, plans and implements, in full alignment with the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity, actions and programmes of relevance to its four strategic action pillars: promoting education, improving healthcare, protecting the environment and empowering the Civil Society. From its establishment to this day, the Foundation has made available over €450 million for promoting its purposes.

At the same time, Bodossaki Foundation today acts as a catalyst for fostering a broader culture of contribution in the Greek society, managing resources on behalf of third parties –Legators, international organisations, and other major donors– wishing to fund programmes with a strong social impact that address critical needs in education, healthcare, the protection of the environment and the empowerment of the Civil Society.

Bodossaki Foundation is recognized as a “public benefit organization”, completely independent of any political, religious or other institution, operating as an entity that develops and coordinates projects in line with its vision.

 

Press Release

Professor Sir DAVID JOHN SPIEGELHALTER

was awarded an Honorary Doctorate

by the Athens University of Economics and Business

 

The Athens University of Economics and Business organized on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 19:00 at the "Leonidas Zervas" Amphitheater of the National Research Foundation, the Ceremony of Awarding an Honorary Doctorate of the Department of Statistics, of the School of Information Sciences and Technology, to the Professor of the University of Cambridge, UK

Sir DAVID JOHN SPIEGELHALTER

The event began with speeches by the Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Professor Dimitrios Bourandonis, and the President of the Department of Statistics, Professor Ioannis Ndzoufras. This was followed by a presentation of the work of the honored guest by the Assistant Professor of the Department of Statistics, Mr. Nikolaos Demiris.

 

The ceremony ended with the speech of the honoree on the topic:

                 "Why the study of statistics and data science is so vital for the future"

Sir David John Spiegelhalter is Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the Center for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Churchill College at the same University.

He is also Chair of the University of Cambridge's Winton Center for Risk and Evidence Communication, which aims to improve the way statistics are used in the medical sciences, by lawyers and court officials, the media and policy makers.

 

For a long time, the Professor studied and investigated the Covid crisis. He also presented the BBC4 documentary 'Tails you Win: The Science of Chance', and the award-winning program 'Climate Change by Numbers'.

His most requested books are: 'The Art of Statistics' published in March 2019 and 'Covid by Numbers' published in September 2021.

He was knighted (Sir) in 2014 for his services to medical statistics. He has been President of the Royal Statistical Society (2017-2018) and Non-Executive Director of the UK Statistics Authority in 2020.

A video with Sir Spiegelhalter’s acceptance speech is available at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLdBJrqWUK9pUCZM5LUACy2JDP1g3Fxag

 

   

 

New international recognition for the Athens University of Economics and Business in 2023

 

The international assessment body Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranks the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) in 2023 among the leading Universities in the world in the main scientific fields it treats. In Greece, it distinguishes as the first Institution in 4 of the 5 scientific fields in which it was evaluated.

Specifically:

• In the scientific fields of Business & Management Studies and Accounting & Finance, AUEB is globally ranked between positions 151-200 (1st in Greece).

• In the scientific field of Economics (Economics & Econometrics) it is globally ranked between positions 251-300 (1st in Greece).

• In the scientific domain of Social Sciences (Social Sciences & Management), which includes several scientific fields (such as Accounting & Finance, Business & Management Studies, Development Studies, Economics & Econometrics, Law, Marketing, Politics & International Studies, Social Policy & Administration, Sociology, Statistics & Operational Research), AUEB is globally ranked 317th, improving its ranking position by 40 places (1st in Greece).

• In the scientific field of Computer Science and Information Systems (Computer Science & Information Systems) it is ranked between positions 401-450.

The evaluation criteria are the number of citations per publication, the productivity and impact index of the research project (h-index), the international research network index (IRN index) regarding research collaborations with other higher education institutions from different regions / locations. The research data is obtained from the bibliographic base "Scopus". Finally, the international character of the University and its reputation, both in the market and in the academic community, are considered, resulting from the participation in a special survey of more than 99,000 business executives and 151,000 university instructors during the last five years (2018-22) respectively.

“QS World University Rankings by Subject” – AUEB’s ranking	International Ranking Position	Ranking among Greek Universities
Scientific Field	2023	2023
Accounting & Finance	151-200	1
Business & Management Studies	151-200	1
Εconomics & Econometrics	251-300	1
Computer Science & Information Systems	401-450	4
Scientific Field	2023	2023
Social Sciences & Management	317	1

The Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Professor Dimitris Bourantonis, stated: AUEB shows a steady upward trend and is ranked among the leading Universities in the main scientific fields it treats. This new distinction reflects the high quality level of its teaching staff, its study programs, its produced research, but also its international orientation as a strategic pillar.

 

 

Collaboration between the Athens University of Economics & Business and Princeton University

 

The UNESCO Chair for Digital Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Graduate Program in Digital Methods for the Humanities of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) are launching their collaboration with Princeton University's Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH) assisted by the European Infrastructure for Research in the Arts and Humanities DARIAH-EU and organize a five-day Digital Humanities workshop to be hosted at the Princeton Athens Centre.

This summer, graduate students, PhD candidates and researchers from Greek universities, as well as cultural heritage institutions, will have the opportunity to collaborate with their counterparts from Princeton University who wish to start or advance their own digital research pursuits and to explore the Greek cultural heritage with a digital approach.

The use of digital research methods in the field of Greek cultural heritage has spectacularly increased in recent years. The MSc in Digital Methods for the Humanities at AUEB, the longest-running postgraduate study program in Digital Humanities in Greece, is leading the way in training a new generation of researchers and professionals. On the other hand, CDH, one of the leading Digital Humanities centres in the US, is known for the design and implementation of research and development projects, but also for its wide network of collaborations. Finally, the DARIAH-EU Infrastructure is considered a pan-European collaboration hub in the field of digital services for the arts and humanities.

"We are especially pleased to work with our Greek colleagues to compare our approaches and create a unique experience for humanities scholars approaching Greek culture with digital methods," says Natalia Ermolaev, Executive Director of CDH. "The opportunity for intercultural learning is one of the main benefits of our connection with the DARIAH-EU Infrastructure," she adds. "I am excited about this new collaboration" points out Ayatis Benardou, Director of the DARIAH-EU Infrastructure and MSc Instructor at AUEB. "The diffusion of scientific fields and viewpoints and education in the field of Digital Humanities are centrally placed in the strategy of the DARIAH-EU Infrastructure."

AUEB’s Rector, Professor Dimitris Bourandonis, commented: "With this collaboration the convergence of technology with every scientific field finds its application in the Humanities. The Athens University of Economics and Business is innovating again, inaugurating high-level collaborations with leading international universities and research laboratories, so that distinguished scientists can produce useful projects for culture, people and society. We are proud of the AUEB based UNESCO headquarters and the work carried out by our excellent scientists".

Panos Konstantopoulos, Emeritus Professor of Informatics and Head of the UNESCO Chair for Digital Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences at AUEB, notes: "We are looking forward to having an international group of students and researchers with us and experiencing a fruitful interdisciplinary search. This workshop will be a unique experience of cross-cultural collaboration and creativity for all participants."

This important collaboration is co-signed by the Seeger Centre for Hellenic Studies at Princeton University, a dynamic focus of various academic programs to promote the study of the Greek world from antiquity to the present day. The workshop will be hosted at the Princeton Athens Centre for Research and Hellenic Studies, located in Pagrati. Seeger CHS Director Dr. Dimitris Gondikas said: "Since its establishment in 1979, Princeton University's Seeger Centre for Hellenic Studies has served academic excellence by offering high-level interdisciplinary research and teaching on Hellenic culture from ancient times to the present day. At the same time, through numerous scholarship programs, we promote collaborations with Hellenists from all over the world with fellow professors, researchers, and students from Greece. For the last 7 years, the Princeton Athens Centre has been a focus of academic research and a venue for scientific meetings. We will be very happy to host this year our first summer workshop on digital humanities, in collaboration with the Athens University of Economics and Business".

 

For more information about the workshop and application submissions, please, visit the Seeger Centre website here

Joint Ph.D. (Cotutelle de Thèse) between the University of Lausanne and the Athens University of Economics and Business: “Statistics and Forensic Science”

 

PRESS RELEASE

AUEB’s School of Business Administration among the "Top 300 Business Schools" worldwide according to Eduniversal

 

The prestigious international evaluation body Eduniversal has published the 1,000 best "Business Schools" from 154 countries for 2022. It evaluates "Business Schools" according to their international reputation at national and global level; additional ranking criteria are their academic certifications, the positions they occupy in numerous other international rankings, their participation in international and national educational organizations, as well as the votes of the Chancellors/Rectors of the 1,000 participating Business Schools.

By employing these criteria, the classification of the "Business Schools" of the Universities is achieved in five (5) categories. The School of Business Administration at Athens University of Economics and Business received 4 stars of distinction, placing it in the second highest category ("4 Palmes League - Top Business Schools"), as well as among the 300 best Business Schools in the world! The School of Business Administration at Athens University of Economics and Business was the only "Business School" of a Greek University that was ranked in the "4 Palmes" category among the distinguished Business Schools.

In the same category ("4 Palmes League - Top Business Schools"), together with the Business School of the Athens University of Economics and Business, other highly prestigious Management Schools of foreign universities are also classified, such as the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University, the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, the Business School at Strathclyde University, and the Management School at Lancaster University.

On this important distinction, the Vice-Rector for Research Professor G. Lekakos stated: “The international recognition of AUEB’s School of Business Administration is another reward for the produced research and teaching of the University’s faculty. The School’s leading position highlights our responsibilities to act as a model for business administration study programs in Greece and at the same time to undertake initiatives that will establish our position among the leading Business Schools worldwide”.

For more information regarding AUEB’s ranking, visit the Eduniversal website.

Press Release

                    AUEB's charity concert for HERMES Association was a huge success

 

The concert organized by the Athens University of Economics and Business with the music band Gadjo Dilo took place at the Christmas Theater yesterday, Monday, November 14, with great success and the participation of many people. The concert was organized to raise money for the purchase of a school bus for the HERMES charity association.

The event was attended by AUEB’s Rectors, the President, and the members of the HERMES Association, the Deputy Regional Governor of the Central Sector of Athens Mr. G. Dimopoulos, the Rector of the NTUA Professor Mr. A. Boutouvis and a huge crowd.

The participation of AUEB’s community, but also of the sponsors and enterprises that purchased tickets for their employees or contributed in numerous ways to the event, was touching. It is particularly worth noting that a group of AUEB’s student volunteers participated to make the concert happen.

The Rector of the Athens University of Economics & Business, Professor Dimitris Bourantonis, after being declared an honorary member of the HERMES association by its president, Mr. Aristidis Pananos, stated: "It is with great joy and heartfelt emotion we realize the impact of tonight’s concert. AUEB proves in practical ways that it can embrace fellow human beings who face problems in their daily lives. We are here for them, fully engaged in our commitment to provide social services, especially to vulnerable social groups. This event springs from AUEB's Social Responsibility and Offering program, which is a pillar of its strategy."

Concert Sponsors: Genesis Pharma, Ok Anytime! Market, Civil Non-Profit Society of Cultural and Public Beneficial Project AEGEAS, Atlantic Union, natural mineral water ZAGORI and MEGA Personal Hygiene Products S.A.

Communication Sponsors: ERT, 2nd Program 103.7, ATHINA 9.84, I Nautemboriki, STASY, in.gr, ot.gr, Athens Voice, clickatlife.gr, deBop.gr, Earth View, Ipop. gr, Gova Stileto.gr, Neolaia.gr, Pagenews.gr, Zougla. Gr.

A few words about the HERMES Association:

The HERMES Charitable Association of People with Disabilities is an Association of Parents, Guardians and Friends of People with Disabilities, a legal entity of non-profit nature (www.somatioermis.gr), with which we collaborate and plan joint actions and events to raise awareness both within AUEB’s community as well as society regarding disability issues.