The Eugenides Foundation actively participated in the discussion on the development of offshore renewable energy sources at the “Offshore Wind Energy Greece 2024” conference, focused on Greece’s offshore renewable energy sector.
During his speech, the Foundation’s Director, Mr. Yannis Golias, highlighted the role of the Foundation in shaping the skills needed for the blue economy. He emphasized that the Foundation promotes technical applications and training in professions linked to the green and blue economy, specifically in sectors associated with offshore energy production.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Eugenides Foundation serves as an institutional partner in advancing the blue economy. Mr. Golias stressed the need to bridge the skills gap in critical areas such as:
- Offshore renewable energy.
- Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
- Marine biotechnology.
- Clean and climate-neutral shipping and ports.
The Director emphasized that the government must urgently develop a strategy to define the specialized workforce needs, taking into account local peculiarities and tailoring interventions at the regional level.
Simultaneously, the Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, is undertaking initiatives to identify priority professions in the blue economy and create specialized training and vocational programs. It also supports the strengthening of research and innovation to ensure that Greece remains competitive in blue economy technologies.
His speech concluded with a strong call for collaboration among all stakeholders, stressing that offshore renewable energy is a promising sector for Greece. “The theoretical agreement is there, but what we need to define is what collaboration means in practice – this is the challenge we must address,” he pointed out.
The Eugenides Foundation is committed to continuing to act as a catalyst for skill development and the enhancement of the blue economy, always aiming for sustainable growth and the empowerment of the Greek economy.