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Greece invests in space technology – Interview with Dr. Athanasios Potsis

Greece is investing in space technology, and in recent years, it has made significant strides in research and innovation. The Hellenic Association of Space Industry plays a crucial role in the technological achievements recorded by the country.

In Greece, there are 48 small- to medium-sized companies involved in space technology at the moment. The investment in space technology and innovation began approximately two decades ago. The primary focus is on hardware, but software development for space applications is also considerably emphasised. Thus, Greece can manufacture materials destined for space, which are utilised for various practical applications.

Gradually, a corresponding infrastructure was established in the country, with companies starting to develop both hardware and software to meet the high demands required for objects sent into space. Today, the country has successfully created its trademark, “space technologies made in Greece,” something that certainly seemed unattainable recently.

In recent years, the Hellenic Association of Space Industry has been investing in establishing a space cluster that combines industry and the academic sector. This is exceptionally significant because, until now, these two sectors operated independently of each other. Efforts are being made to leverage the research conducted at universities to create space products in Greece.

For all the aspects mentioned above and the challenges recorded globally in the field of space technology, we had a conversation with Dr. Athanasios Potsis, the President of the Hellenic Association of Space Industry.

Since September 2006, Dr. Potsis has held the position of Senior Manager in the EFA Group, where he is responsible for developing new business opportunities for Industrial cooperation through indirect offsets on a Global scale. Since 2008, he has been the president of the Hellenic Association of Space Industry.

He extensively discussed the initiatives implemented in Greece, collaborations with other countries, and exchanging knowledge and expertise. Additionally, he touched upon the plans of the Hellenic Association of Space Industry in the immediate future.

George Mavridis is a journalist currently conducting his doctoral research at the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). He holds a degree from the same department, as well as a Master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies from Malmö University, Sweden, and a second Master’s degree in Digital Humanities from Linnaeus University, Sweden. In 2024, he completed his third Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies: Law and Policy at AUTH. Since 2010, he has been professionally involved in journalism and communication, and in recent years, he has also turned to book writing.