How can Greece shape a new, coherent model of sustainable development that responds to the challenges of our time? In a recent article in the “The N Society” column of Naftemporiki, Christos Pitelis, member of the International Advisory Committee of Komvos, Life Fellow at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, and Research Professor at Southampton University Business School, proposes a strategy combining a proactive public role, business innovation, and social cooperation. With extensive international experience in strategy and sustainable development, he bridges academic knowledge with practical proposals that can guide Greece into the future.
The Context
Mr. Pitelis emphasizes that Greece today stands at a historic crossroads, with the opportunity to reshape its growth model into a strategy that integrates state action, entrepreneurship, and social participation.
A key proposal is the transition from traditional “industrial policy” to an approach of “industrial orchestration”, where the state acts as coordinator and catalyst, enhancing the capabilities of businesses and productive structures through collaboration and learning.
The proposed axes include:
Investment in general-purpose technologies, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and green energy.
Creation of regional innovation ecosystems, ensuring that development is not centered only in Athens.
Strengthening collaboration between the public, private, and social sectors, with co-designed policies.
Promoting “co-opetition” among companies, fostering competitive collaboration.
Developing implementation capacity within the public sector, including training of staff in strategy and management.
Overall, the article advocates a shift from fragmented interventions toward a coherent strategy capable of enhancing productivity, innovation, and regional development.
Node of Ideas – Greece 2025–2040
This article is part of the “Node of Ideas – Greece 2025–2040” series, initiated by the Secretary General of Komvos, Prof. Konstantinos Drosatos, and Dr. Athena Coustenis (founding members of Komvos), in collaboration with Naftemporiki.
Komvos’ main sponsor is Piraeus Bank, which supports it in realizing its vision.
Read the full article here (in Greek): A New Strategy for Sustainable Development
