Eco-innovation in Greece

EIO Country Profile

2016-2017

Eco-Innovation Observatory

The Eco-Innovation Observatory functions as a platform for the structured collection and analysis

of an extensive range of eco-innovation information, gathered from across the European Union and key economic regions around the globe, providing a much-needed integrated information source on eco-innovation for companies and innovation service providers, as well as providing a solid decision-making basis for policy development.

The Observatory approaches eco-innovation as a persuasive phenomenon present in all economic sectors and therefore relevant for all types of innovation, defining eco-innovation as:

“Eco-innovation is any innovation that reduces the use of natural resources and decreases the release of harmful substances across the whole life-cycle”.

To find out more, visit www.eco-innovation.eu and ec.europa.eu/environment/ecoap

Any views or opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Commission.

Eco-Innovation Observatory

Country Profile 2016-2017: Greece

Author: Andreas Mitsios

Coordinator of the work package: Technopolis Group Belgium

A note to Readers

Any views or opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not

necessarily reflect the position of the European Union.

A number of companies are presented as illustrative examples of eco-innovation in this report.

The EIO does not endorse these companies.

The report is based on an updated methodology for calculating the Eco-Innovation Index, which

has also been applied retroactively to all previous years, hence the outcome in the Eco-Innovation

Scoreboard (Eco-IS) for 2017 presented in this report can be compared with the analysis in the

previous reports to a limited extent.

Comments and suggestions on this document can be sent to Asel Doranova

asel.doranova@technopolis-group.com

This brief is available for download from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecoap/country_profiles_en

Table of contents

Summary ................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction ............................................................................................................... 2

1 | Eco-innovation performance .................................................................... 4

2 | Selected circular economy and eco-innovation areas and new trends ....... 7

3 | Barriers and drivers to circular economy and eco-innovation in Greece ..... 9

4 | Policy landscape in Greece ..................................................................... 11

ANNEX: Policy measures addressing circular economy and eco-innovations in Greece ................................................................................................................. 15

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Summary

Environmental policy in Greece focuses on the promotion of renewable energies and energy

efficiency measures that can promote eco-innovations. The country benefits from its significant

natural capital in renewable energies – solar, wind, tidal –, growth in green and alternative

tourism and innovation in agriculture and the food industry. Despite the economic crisis, by the

end of 2017, the installed capacity of photovoltaics, reached 2,623 MWp which covered 7.1% of

the electricity consumption. Nevertheless, the uptake of renewable energy has been stagnated

the past years.

In terms of eco-innovation performance, in 2017 Greece continues to rank low among the EU-28

countries with a score of only 77 (on an EU-28 average of 100). This places Greece on 19th position

in the EU-28 ranking of eco-innovative countries.

The funding of research activities in country depends heavily on EU funds. The Operational

Programme on Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation under the new National

Strategic Reference Framework (2004-2020) will allocate 28.8 million EUR on the promotion of

innovative technologies for environmental protection and resource efficiency in the areas of

waste management, water management, soil contamination and air pollution.

The poor performance on technological innovation is also demonstrated by the low number of patent applications. The small size of Greek companies also acts as a deterrent to further developing and commercialising innovations.

The policy framework to support innovation is expected to improve significantly, through the 2014 Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Strategy for Research, Technological Development and Innovation for the period 2015-2021, which amongst others promotes specific activities in relation to eco-innovation. An integrated policy framework to promote circular economy does not exist.

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Introduction

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2018 ranks Greece as a strong performer, 22nd overall in its global rankings (EPI, 2018). Greece has slightly worsened its performance compared to 2016 when the country was positioned in the 21st position. According to the EPI, the country has an average performance in the areas of air quality, fish stocks and GHG emissions intensity. Major challenges, such as air emissions from transport and electricity power stations, overexploitation of its water resources, degradation of its coastal zones, loss of biodiversity in terrestrial and marine ecosystems (MINERV 2018). Due to the economic crisis affecting the country since 2010, the use low-cost wood and biomass as fuel for heating in households increased (Valavanidis A, 2015). As a result, a high level of airborne particulates (fine and superfine) appeared in urban areas, mostly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Measurements found lead, arsenic and cadmium particle, indicating the burning of painted wood (The Guardian, 2016). The air quality in the country further deteriorated due to the lift of a ban in diesel cars in 2012 and a decrease of taxes on diesel fuel.

The GHG emissions continued a decreasing trend that started in 2008. Specifically, the emissions decreased from 134.63 Mt CO2eq in 2008 to 98.69 Mt CO2eq in 2015 (EEA, 2017). Nonetheless, these were mainly due to the effects of the economic crisis and not the result of ambitious climate policies. According to Eurostat, the share of renewable energy of the country's gross final consumption has stabilised since at around 15%. Biomass and renewable wastes account for the largest part of this consumption (44% of renewables). Greece needs to increase its efforts to reach the target of 20% share of renewable sources by 2020 as stipulated by European Commission's Directive on Renewable Energy. With this in mind, Greece continues to be one of the most successful countries worldwide in the use of solar thermal energy (mostly water heaters). Moreover, municipal waste management remains a pressing issue, with slow progress made in reversing the long-established practice of dumping waste to landfills (Bakas and Milios, 2013). The new Waste Management Plan aims to reduce these pressures by promoting amongst others the separation of waste at source and placing more responsibilities to municipalities through the development of small-scale plants (MINERV, 2015). Nevertheless, the closure of illegal landfills remains a key challenge for the country (European Commission, 2017).

At the same time, the on-going economic and social crisis impacts negatively the prospects for a significant amelioration of environmental protection, while it also puts heavy pressure on the resources devoted to R&D. Malpractices by local authorities, limited enforcement of laws by national authorities and public unawareness of benefits from innovation have deteriorated due to the crisis. According to Eurostat, GDP growth in Greece continues to be negative since 2008, with a slight increase in 2017. The economy has shrunk by more a quarter. In parallel, the unemployment rate increased rapidly and reached 26.5% at the end of 2016 (from 7.8% in 2008) with a slight decrease at the end of 2016 (23.6 %). As part of the 9th austerity package, approved by the Parliament on May 2014, the country continued applying significant structural reforms and increased the flexibility in the labour market. Nevertheless, the future of the Greek economy remains a deep concern.

The Greek economy is dominated by the tertiary sector. In 2017, the services sector generated 79% of GDP, while industry contributed 15%, agriculture, forestry and fishing 4% and construction 2% (Eurostat, 2018c). Services are dominated by tourism, shipping and the public sector. Compared to the EU average, trade and agriculture are less knowledge intensive (Dianeosis,

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2016). In addition, the Greek economy is characterised by the prevalence of SMEs. Between 2008 and 2014, the economic crisis resulted in the closure of about a quarter of the SMEs. Overall, the business climate is negative as approximately 40% of small enterprises expect a closure while only 3.5% are planning to carry out investments (GSEVEE, 2017).

The innovativeness of the Greek economy depends largely on imported technology and know-how. Its strengths lie more with organisational and marketing innovations and less with technical improvements. At the same time, new firms – especially SMEs – find it difficult to have access to capital due to the reluctance of financial institutions to shoulder the risk. The present economic context can only accentuate this trend. Presently, actions to foster research and innovation capacity heavily depend on the ability to absorb EU Structural Funds and EU research funding.

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1 | Eco-innovation performance

The analysis in this section is based on the EU 28 Eco-innovation scoreboard (Eco-IS) for the year 2015. Eco-IS via its composite Eco-innovation index demonstrates the eco-innovation performance of a country compared with the EU average and with the EU top performers. Eco-IS is based on 16 indicators which are aggregated into five components: eco-innovation inputs, eco-innovation activities and eco-innovation outputs as well as environmental outcomes and socio-economic outcomes

Figure 2.1 EU27 Eco-innovation scoreboard 2015, composite index

Source: EIO, 2018

As illustrated in Figure 2.1, with a score of 77 (on an EU-28 average of 100), Greece continues to rank low among the EU-28 countries in terms of eco-innovation performance. This places Greece on 19th position in the EU-28 ranking of eco-innovative countries. In relative terms, compared to 2015 (20th in the EU ranking), Greece has improved its position by one place. In absolute terms, compared with the 2015 Eco-IS, there has been an increase in Greece’s overall score – from 66 in 2015 – which indicates a progress in the ranking.

The performance of Greece in each of the five components of the Eco-IS composite index is presented in Figure 2.2 below. The areas where the country is behind the EU28 average are the eco-innovation inputs, on resource efficiency and on socio-economic outputs. Its performance on eco-innovation activities is close to the EU28 average. Nevertheless, the eco-innovation outputs are higher than the EU28 average.

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The paragraphs below provide a concise overview of the performance in each of the five components.

Figure 2.2 Components of the eco-innovation composite index for Greece, 2015

Source: EIO, 2018

Eco-innovation input

The eco-innovation input index is based on the national indicators of the government’s environmental and energy R&D appropriations and outlays, R&D personnel, and green investment. In this component, Greece scored only 57, with the EU average being 100. Compared to 2015, the country decreased its performance as in that year Greece’s performance was only slightly higher (58).

More precisely, R&D personnel and researchers employed in Greece in 2014 decreased 1.14 of all employed from 1.22% in 2014. The vast majority of R&D personnel and researchers in Greece work in the public sector, either in Universities or public research centres. The austerity measures took a toll on the public sector, and the overall investments in the private sector have stagnated. Given the austerity measures, in the most optimistic scenario, the labour force involved in R&D is more likely to remain the same in the near future, unless there is an improvement on the performance on EU research Framework Programmes and a higher allocation of EU Structural Funds on R&D activities.

The government continues to give a slightly higher priority to investing in research and development in the areas of energy, including renewables, and the environment. Between 2014 and 2016, the total government environmental and energy R&D appropriations and outlays amounted increased slightly from 0.022% of GDP to 0.024% (with an EU average of 0.037% in both

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years). Meanwhile, the green early stage investments dropped from 0.70 $/per capita in the period 2012-2015 to 0.12 $/per capita for the period 2014-2017.

Eco-innovation activities

In the eco-innovation activities index of the Eco-IS, Greece scores slightly below the EU28 average. In 2014, 21% of enterprises introduced an innovation with environmental benefits obtained within the enterprise (22% at the EU level) and 19% of enterprises introduced an innovation with environmental benefits obtained by the end user (14% at the EU level). In the previous reports (up until 2014) different indicators have been used focusing on material and energy efficiency innovations. In addition, in 2016, 1,324 firms were ISO 14001 certified in Greece (from 909 firms in 2014). This corresponds to 123 firms per million per population when the EU average is 218.

Eco-innovation outputs

Greece continues to perform well in terms of eco-innovation outputs with a significant improvement compared to the 2015 assessment. On this component it scores 142 (compared to 97 in 2015) and is 6th in the ranking (13th in 2015). The country however is a weak performer in eco-innovation related patents with only 4.02 per million inhabitants in 2014 (15.34 at the EU level). On the other hand, Greece continues to perform well in eco-innovation related publications and improved its performance with 27.45 publications per million inhabitants in 2016 (from 22.97 in 2014). Considering the increase of eco-patents, this result seems an improvement on the capacity and/or interest in exploiting the results of academic research.

In addition, in 2017 the country continued to be one of Europe’s leaders in eco-innovation related media coverage. With 2,482 hits, Greece’s score was 1 (EU index 0.35).

Resource efficiency outcomes

The environmental outcome component is based on combined national statistics on domestic material productivity, domestic water productivity, inland energy productivity, and GHG emissions intensity. With an overall score of 50 (EU index 100), Greece is positioned 6th last. It has worsen its score compared to the 2015 assessment, when the country’s score was 70.

In 2015 Material productivity (GDP/DMC) reached 1.60 €/kg (from 1.57 €/kg in 2013) when the EU average was 2.25 €/kg. Water productivity, measured as GDP generated by domestic water consumption, was 22 €/m3 in 2011 (the EU average was 78 €/m3). Greece’s water footprint in the same year was approximately 9,935 million m3/year, ranking the country among top EU consumers.

As regards the energy productivity, GDP generated by domestic energy use, Greece performs close to the EU average, with a score of 0.47 (EU scored 0.51). In 2015, the country’s productivity reached 9.20 €/ton of oil equivalent (from 9.01 €/ton of oil equivalent in 2013). The GHG emissions intensity (amounts of GHG emissions generated per unit of GDP) was at 0.45 kg of CO2 equivalent/GDP in 2015 (from 0.49 kg of CO2 equivalent/GDP in 2013), significantly above the EU28 average for the same year (0.30 kgCO2e/€).

Socio-economic outcomes

Greece continues to have one of the lowest performances in socio-economic outcomes (sixth in rankings in 2016). Eco-industry exports reached only €32 million in 2016 and were 0.15% of all exports (EU average of 0.73%). The performance of the country deteriorated from 2014 when the exports amounted to €62 million (0.23% of all exports). In 2014, employment in eco-industries

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was a 2.34% of total employment across all companies (with an EU average of 2.67%), indicating a significant improvement from 2014 (1.88%). Finally, the size of the eco-industry has improved significantly, with revenue being 2.53% of total revenue across all companies (EU average 2.12%). In 2014, the size was significantly lower (1.63%).

2 | Selected circular economy and eco-innovation areas and new trends

Although, Greece shows potential in certain eco-innovation sectors, these areas cannot be characterised as fully developed. The efforts to introduce eco-innovations in the construction sector were slowed down. Due to the economic crisis, companies have sought to explore opportunities afforded by eco-innovations in terms of costs but also in order to cater to clients’ needs focusing (amongst other things) on transparent solar cells which can be used in windows, nanotechnology products to improve indoor air quality and smart meters for energy efficiency. The integration of such technologies has for the better part been supported by governmental policies such as the building energy efficiency regulation (more recently Law 4122/2013 on energy efficient buildings, which harmonised Greek legislation with the EU directive 2010/31/EU) and the Energy savings at home programme. Nevertheless, the size of the sector was reduced further due to the economic crisis. The share of the sector dropped from 5% of GDP in 2008 to 2.3% of GDP in 2017 and, as a result, the uptake of eco-innovation also decreased.

Greece has also shown progress in solar energy, mostly as a result of the expansion of photovoltaic installations. By the end of 2017, the installed capacity of photovoltaics, reached 2,623 MWp which covered 7.1% of the electricity consumption and brought the country to the second position in the world, in terms of contribution on electricity generation (HELAPCO, 2018). The development of photovoltaics experienced a vast increase in previous years. For example, 987.2 MWp were installed in the period between January-September 2013. This increase slowed down significantly due to the economic crisis. In 2017, only 11.3 MWp were installed which corresponds to about 1% to the capacity installed in 2012. A new law on renewable energy (L.4414/2016) provided support for the development of renewable energy power plants. More specifically, it set up feed-in premium scheme for solar panel installations with a capacity over 500 kWp. Nevertheless, the feed-in-tariffs for smaller installations are low (i.e. 27 EUR/ MWh) and do not promote investments due to the high risk (HELAPCO, 2016).

In addition, several energy-related research programmes are carried out in universities, in the fields of electricity, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, energy policy and law, energy and environmental economics, smart networks, environmental management, technologies for energy production, urban and land planning and public health (MINERV, 2016).

The Operational Programme on Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation under the new National Strategic Reference Framework (2004-2020) will allocate 28.8 million EUR in the promotion of innovative technologies for environmental protection and resource efficiency in the areas of waste management, water management, soil contamination and air pollution. The support includes R&D activities in businesses for the development and uptake of antipollution technologies and monitoring mechanisms. Another 28.3 million EUR will be allocated to support green growth and eco-innovation both in the private and public sectors. The supported activities

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include actions to increase the technological know-how on environmental protection and the eco-design of products.

Cosmetics – APIVITA

APIVITA produces more 300 cosmetic products based on extracts of Greek herbs. The company

reduced weight of paper and glass packaging in their products respectively by 30% and 10%. A

preference is given to recycled or environmentally certified paper by EMAS and FSC.

APIVITA uses a bioclimatic building that integrates an innovative system of renewable energy

sources. A share of 12% of the energy is provided by geothermal and solar systems. The

company aims to increase this share to 75% by 2020.

Key words: Cosmetics, green building, renewable energy

Source: www.apivita.com Contact: info@apivita.com

Source: APIVITA

Save you planet - TV series to raise awareness

“Save the planet” is a 30 episodes TV series in 3D aiming to educate on the most significant

environmental problems. The series apply children drawing cut outs to raise awareness in a

clear and fun way. The series was developed without a narration and dialogues to achieve an

international outreach. It has been selected and awarded in international festivals.

Key words: awareness, education

Website: http://www.nurbs.gr/saveyourplanet.php

Contact: saveyplanet@gmail.com

Source: nurbs

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3 | Barriers and drivers to circular economy and eco-innovation in Greece

Barriers to eco-innovation

There are several barriers related to political, institutional, cultural, social and economic aspects that prevent the development of eco-innovation in the country.

Compared to 2015, Greece continues to lack a clear and cohesive framework for the support of eco-innovation and eco-industries despite the improvement through the 2014 Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Strategy for Research, Technological Development and Innovation for the period 2015-2021, which promotes specific activities in relation to eco-innovation. Under the Action Plan, efforts are directed towards industrial waste management, anti-pollution technologies and industrial symbiosis, climate change mitigation, access to environmental information and mitigation of natural disasters.

Issues related to malpractices by local authorities and limited enforcement of laws by national authorities continue to exist. The long-lasting deterioration of the economy has further compounded these problems as the penury of resources makes any kind of systematic funding for eco-innovation unrealistic. Austerity policies have had a major impact on public funding leading to stagnation in terms of R&D expenses and delays in payments. Meanwhile, venture capital for eco-innovations is not easily available especially after the imposition of capital controls in July 2015, with most funding coming from EU Structural Funds.

In terms of competitiveness, the trade balance of high- and medium-tech products is negative and this prevents by default all types of technological innovation (Innovation Union 2014). The poor performance on technological innovation is also demonstrated by the low number of patent applications. The economic downturn, together with structural problems and bureaucratic obstacles has forced companies to prefer investments with low risks and short-term return over knowledge-based activities where by default the risks are higher and the return period longer. The small size of Greek companies also acts as a deterrent to further developing and commercialising innovations. Small companies may be more flexible and adapt at seizing innovation opportunities but ultimately a sustainable national framework requires synergy and economies of some scale. Nevertheless, as highlighted in chapter 1 only 3.5% of enterprises plan to perform investments.

Education has been affected significantly by the austerity measures (Dianeosis, 2016). The performance of high schools is rather weak, whereas in general the education system in considered as inadequate to generate a competitive working force. The number of doctoral graduates per 1,000 inhabitants (aged 25-34) is also low. Moreover, the research institutes and universities focus their activity on basic research. In addition, the cooperation between public research and businesses is weak. This indicates the absence of networks that are required to boost innovation as well as a lack of large innovative enterprises.

On the administrative side, it is an often repeated complaint that Greece’s complex bureaucratic stipulations (despite the progress achieved in the last years) dissuade actors and investors from developing eco-innovations (Vlyssides, 2014. Panayotakopoulos, 2014). Moreover, the regulatory framework changes frequently thus limiting the ability of involved actors to plan and organise investments.

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Research in Greece relies to a large extent on external funding, namely, the EU structural Funds and EU research funds (e.g. Horizon 2020). The dependence of Greece on external funds indicates the difficulty of the country to finance research (either through public funding or private sector investment) due to the deterioration of the economy. As regards the internal funding, in 2016 42.5% of funding derives from public funding whereas only 39.9% come from private funds. In relation to the EU research funds, Greece has been relatively successful in the participation in the FP7, in comparison to the EU average, but the success rate of the applications for funding remain relatively low.

Finally, there remain social barriers towards eco-innovation mostly related to public attitudes and unawareness of the benefits of innovation (especially in the area of energy efficiency in the built environment). These sometimes translate into outright distrust of change, especially in the current economic and political climate. (Knight and Bell, 2013).

Drivers to eco-innovation

On the other hand, Greece benefits from its significant natural capital in renewable energies (solar, wind, tidal), growth in green and alternative tourism and innovation in agriculture and the food industry. The country has a small number of leading research institutions that can contribute in developing an innovation-driven economy (Dianeosis, 2016). A significant number of small and medium ICT and high tech companies and start-ups can also help in supporting R&D. In addition, many Greek researchers have migrated in third country. This diaspora could provide a vital human capital in the future.

Greece is below the EU average with 0.99% of GDP spent on R&D activities 2016 (EU average 2.03%) (National Documentation Centre, 2017). Despite the austerity measures, a slight increase on R&D expenditure was achieved compared to 2015 (from 0.92%). Nevertheless, this share increased by 0.6% in the period 2007-2012 which indicates that the country is on its way to catch up (Innovation Union 2014). This improvement is also indicated by the slight increase the eco-innovation input index. Greece is also well placed regarding the eco-innovation related publications (which reached 27.45 publications per million inhabitants with an EU average of 20.53 publications). In this context, the economic downturn might act as an opportunity to move towards a knowledge-based economy.

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4 | Policy landscape in Greece

Greece continues to focus its policies on the promotion of renewable energies, energy efficiency measures and the new policy on waste management, which can also promote eco-innovations. The aim of the country is to derive 20% of final energy consumption from RES by 2020 as well as to develop new waste management techniques promoted in the New Waste Management Plan (NWMP). Greece does not have any integrated policy framework to promote circular economy.

The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) is expected to allocate approximately € 5.18 billion for the period 2014-2020 on activities relating to the environment and another € 1.2 billion is expected to be allocated on the objective ‘Strengthening Research, Technological Development and Innovation’. Research is expected to be supported directly through the funding of actions supporting innovations in businesses. In addition as mentioned Operational Programme on Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation will allocate at least 55 million EUR to support eco-innovation.

The Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Strategy for Research, Technological Development and Innovation for the period 2015-2021 (Action Plan) was published in 2014 and set the framework for the support of the Greek Government on research and innovation, and the promotion and strengthening the competitiveness of businesses through innovation (MERA, 2014). In relation to the environment, the Action Plan promotes innovation in the areas of industrial and municipal waste management; antipollution technologies and industrial symbiosis; and the participation of businesses in efforts to increase resource efficiency and biodiversity. To this end, the Action Plan aims at the mobilisation of private and EU funds through the new NSRF.

The National Fund for Entrepreneurship and Development (ETEAN) was founded in 2011 (Law 3912/2011) in order to support enterprises, particularly small, medium, and innovative enterprises. ETEAN is co-funded by the Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship’ and other NSRF programmes, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Fisheries Fund. Amongst its priority areas, the Fund aims to support business in the fields of sustainability, energy efficiency (especially in the built environment) and renewable energies. The scheme also supports activities that relate to the upgrade of energy efficiency in households.

New Waste Management Plan (NWMP) is another policy instrument that can potentially address

changes towards circular economy in Greece. The NWMP that came into force in December 2015,

puts forward an alternative waste management model by promoting the decentralisation of

waste management activities at the municipal level; the qualitative and quantitative

enhancement of recycling with a focus on source separation; the separate collection and

treatment of organic waste; the small scale of processing and recovery plants; and raising public

awareness. With a timeframe towards 2020, the NWMP aims to decrease the per capita waste

generation and increase the recycling and re-use of municipal waste, in line with the principles of

circular economy. The waste management plan also promotes R&D and the uptake of innovative

technologies in the areas of eco-design of products and packaging and waste management.

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Project Environmental information system for the support of entrepreneurship and

competitiveness

The project supports a sustainable use of the natural resources through the integration of data into a common website. The website is used primarily by the local authorities particularly in relation to their responsibilities on soil and water management. The system is also accessible to businesses (i.e. mainly (e.g. farmers, fishermen, fish farmers, tourist enterprises) and citizens. The integration of environmental information is also critical for tackling critical environmental issues and ensuring civil protection.

Innovative applications have allowed the development of a modular structure that enhances the cooperation between different sectors to minimize the overall environmental impacts.

Key words: Circular economy, ICT, environmental information system

Website: http://www.envisent.eu

Contact: info@i-bec.org

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Dianeosis, 2016, The impact of research on Green Economic Growth

Energy Efficiency Watch, 2013, Country Report Greece. Available at: http://www.energy-efficiency-watch.org/fileadmin/eew_documents/Documents/EEW2/Greece.pdf

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Eurostat, 2018a, Harmonised Unemployment Rate. Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&language=en&pcode=teilm020&tableSelection=1&plugin=1

Eurostat, 2018b, Real GDP growth rate. Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tec00115

Eurostat, 2018c, National Accounts aggregates by industry

Green Key, 2016, Greece. Available at: http://www.green-key.org/menu/awarded-sites/greece

The Guardian, 2016, Air quality worsens in Greece as recession bites. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/30/air-quality-worsens-greece-recession-bites-world-pollutionwatch

HELAPCO (Σύνδεσμος Εταιρειών Φωτοβολταϊκών), 2018, Statistics for PV. Available at: http://helapco.gr/wp-content/uploads/pv-stats_greece_2017_9Mar2018.pdf HELAPCO, 2015b, The Greek PV Market. Available at: http://helapco.gr/en/the-greek-pv-market/

HELAPCO 2016, New renewable energy law provides feed-in premiums and introduces tender schemes for pv. Available at: http://helapco.gr/en/the-greek-pv-market/

Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change (YPEKAMINERV) 2016, - Research and Innovation in energy and environment sectors, available at: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=861&locale=en-US&language=el-GR

Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change (MINERV) 2010, - Green Growth model.

Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change (MINERV) 2011, Environmental policy priorities.

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Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change (MINERV) 2016, Αναθεωρημένο Εθνικό Σχέδιο Διαχείρισης Αποβλήτων (ΕΣΔΑ), available at: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=238&

Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change, (MINERV), 2018, Environmental Problems of Greece. Available at: http://www.ypeka.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=235&language=el-GR

Innovation Union, 2014, Research and Innovation performance Innovation Union progress at

country level in the EU, http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/pdf/state-of-the-

union/2014/iuc_progress_report_2014.pdf#view=fit&pagemode=none

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Knight D. and Bell S., 2013, Pandora’s box: photovoltaic energy and economic crisis in Greece, Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, vol. 5, no. 3.

Maroulis G., 2014, Assessment of Climate Change Policies in the Context of the European Semester: Country Report Greece. Available at: http://ecologic.eu/sites/files/publication/2014/countryreport_gr_ecologiceclareon_jan2014_0.pdf

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National Strategic Framework for Research and Innovation (NSFRI), 2014-2020, Greece, available at: https://www.espa.gr/en/Pages/staticNewProgrammingPeriod.aspx

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ANNEX: Policy measures addressing circular economy and eco-innovations in Greece

Group of policy

measures Type of policy

measure Specific measure

Focus of policy measure

Generic focus on

eco-innovation

Resource efficiency

improvement

Energy efficiency

improvement

Reduction of emissions incl. CO2

Other relevant

areas (e.g. renewable energy,

etc.)

SUP

PLY

SID

E FO

CU

S

Equity/business support

Venture capital funds

- The National Fund for Entrepreneurship and Development (ETEAN) was founded in 2011 (Law 3912/2011) in order to support enterprises, particularly small, medium, and innovative enterprises. ETEAN operates as a Société Anonyme in order to provide leverage financing, through revolving debt, bank guarantees and counter guarantees, joint ventures and equity participation. ETEAN does not deal directly with businesses. Businesses contact partner banks, which are selected by ETEAN through an open international tender.

x x

Public guarantee

funds

The National Fund for Entrepreneurship and Development provides guarantees to loans for small and very small enterprises. The fund makes available about 1 billion euro to guarantee low-interest loans to SMEs covering expenses related with raw materials, goods and services. NFED manages several funding mechanisms, including among others the Business Reboot Fund (550 MEuro) and the Fund for Saving at Home for the Energy efficiency of Buildings. Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation: JEREMIE initiative, offers attractive loans to Small and Very Small Enterprises, in which the entrepreneur pays interest only for 50% of the loan, with the remaining half being paid by the Structural Funds (ERDF). The action targets a wide range of sectors, including Innovation, Research and Technological development, as well as Energy and Environment. The budget of the programme is 150 MEURO),

X

x

X

x

X

x

16

Group of policy

measures Type of policy

measure Specific measure

Focus of policy measure

Generic focus on

eco-innovation

Resource efficiency

improvement

Energy efficiency

improvement

Reduction of emissions incl. CO2

Other relevant

areas (e.g. renewable energy,

etc.)

Operational Programme Education and Lifelong learning: ‘Iraklitos II’ Action aims at enhancing research related human resources, through the support of PhD research focusing on (among others) energy and environmental science.

X

Collaborative grants

Operational Programme Education and Lifelong learning: ‘Thales’ Action. Support to interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research and innovation, with the potential to attract high level researchers from abroad, through the implementation of basic and applied research of excellence. Regional Operational Programmes: ‘Geographical Cooperation’ Action supports the collaboration between businesses and research organisations, through the joint implementation of research and technology-focused projects. Almost any relevant cost is eligible for funding, including personnel and R&D infrastructure. Environment is among the eligible thematic research areas.

x

x

x

x

x

R&D infrastructure

The Investment Incentives Law (April 2013) provides a wide array of financial incentives (tax credits, leasing, subsidies, loans) to enterprises for investing in innovation (including eco-innovation).

x

Fiscal measures

Tax incentives for R&D and

start-ups

Corporate tax foresees deductions for the re-investment of profits into the development of the company; R&D is included (among others) in the eligible investments. Corporate tax foresees deductions for expenses related with scientific research, following relevant certification by the GSRT. Corporate tax foresees deductions for newly established companies. Moreover, tax exceptions are provided through the ‘Youth Entrepreneurship’ scheme of the New Investment Incentives Law.

x

Tax incentives for R&D

personnel

17

Group of policy

measures Type of policy

measure Specific measure

Focus of policy measure

Generic focus on

eco-innovation

Resource efficiency

improvement

Energy efficiency

improvement

Reduction of emissions incl. CO2

Other relevant

areas (e.g. renewable energy,

etc.)

Education, training and

mobility

Tailored training

courses for companies,

entrepreneurs

Operational Programme ‘Development of Human Resources’: ‘Strengthening the human resources of SMEs to support extroversion’ action. The action provides funding to chambers, business associations, academic institutions and non-profit organisations in order to design and implement training courses for SMEs and entrepreneurs.

x

Advise/consulting for start

ups, companies,

entrepreneurs

Start up Greece is ‘an information, networking and collaboration space, aimed at creating a new generation of entrepreneurs in Greece’ (http://www.startupgreece.gov.gr). It runs under the aegis of the Ministry for Development, Competitiveness and Shipping and the Greek Government, providing entrepreneurs with the information necessary to start their own business (motivation, funding, legal framework, research material). In collaboration with communities of young entrepreneurs, it utilises social media to bring together people, ideas, corporations, universities and other organisations, with a view to foster creative partnerships and investment opportunities.

x

Placement schemes for

students

Operational Programme Education and Lifelong learning: The programme “Strengthening self-employment of graduates” support graduates, which are either unemployed or self-employed, for starting a professional activity related to their specialisation.

Greece participates in the ERASMUS-MUNDUS student exchange programme - Selected Greek SMEs participate in the LEONARDO programme, offering stage opportunities to students.

x

Support for R&D workers recruitments

Networks and partnerships

Competence centres, clusters, science-

Corallia is a Cluster Initiative targeting at enhancing competitiveness, entrepreneurship and innovation, by providing cluster-development support activities (http://www.corallia.org/index.php). The initiative has supported the establishment of mi-cluster (the first innovation cluster in the country) which focuses on nano/micro electronics and embedded

x

18

Group of policy

measures Type of policy

measure Specific measure

Focus of policy measure

Generic focus on

eco-innovation

Resource efficiency

improvement

Energy efficiency

improvement

Reduction of emissions incl. CO2

Other relevant

areas (e.g. renewable energy,

etc.)

technology parks

systems and which includes a number of companies involved in eco-innovation (mainly in Photovoltaic and smart energy technologies), such as Brite Solar, BlueDev, Econais, etc.

Technology platforms and

innovation networks

Enterprise Europe Network – Hellas is a research and entrepreneurship network. It supports research organisations and businesses which are interested in funding opportunities from the European Commission, local/regional authorities and/or the private sector. The Network provides information as well as assistance in setting up project funding proposals.

x

Foresight and common

vision building

Invest in Greece, the official Investment Promotion Agency of Greece, identifies six investment sectors in Greece, including Energy and Environmental Management (the other sectors being tourism, ICT, Life sciences, food & beverages and logistics). PRAXI / HELP-FORWARD Network (HELP-FORWARD Network = HΕLlenic Project FOR Wider Application of R&D) is a technology transfer organisation addressed to small and medium sized enterprises and research institutions all over Greece. Its services range from information to mediation and advisory support, covering the whole spectrum of activities related to research collaboration.

x

Market intelligence and other forms of

information sharing

DEM

AN

D S

IDE

FOC

US

Regulations and standards

Regulations, targets, cap & trade schemes

Performance standards,

19

Group of policy

measures Type of policy

measure Specific measure

Focus of policy measure

Generic focus on

eco-innovation

Resource efficiency

improvement

Energy efficiency

improvement

Reduction of emissions incl. CO2

Other relevant

areas (e.g. renewable energy,

etc.)

labelling, certification

Public procurement

“Green“ public procurement of goods and services

Greece is lagging behind in this sector. Although the legislation foresees green obligations and restrictions in purchasing of products services and works (especially energy efficient obligations and standards), the share of contracts making use of ‘any form of green’ criteria is below 20%, while the National GPP Action Plan was expected to be finalised in late 2013

x x x x

R&D procurement

Pre-commercial

procurement

Technology Transfer

Advisory support for technology adopters

Operational Programme Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship: ‘Innovation vouchers for SMEs’ action.

x

Financial or fiscal support for technology

adopters

(e.g. grants for purchasing

new technology)

The new Investment Incentives Law (April 2013) provides a wide array of financial incentives (tax credits, leasing, subsidies, loans) to enterprises for investing in innovation (including eco-innovation).

‘Building the Future’ (2012-2020) is a programme aiming at implementing modern energy-efficiency technologies to upgrade the energy performance of residential and factory buildings. The first stage of the programme includes 150,000 buildings, in which a number of energy technologies will be implemented. The budget of the Programme amounts to €50 million.

X

X

X

Support of private demand

Tax incentives for consumers

(e.g. for

The circulation tax for private cars is based on CO2 emissions (and engine capacity), while commercial vehicles are taxed based on the weight of the vehicle. However, there is no support for the purchase of electric vehicles

X X X

20

Group of policy

measures Type of policy

measure Specific measure

Focus of policy measure

Generic focus on

eco-innovation

Resource efficiency

improvement

Energy efficiency

improvement

Reduction of emissions incl. CO2

Other relevant

areas (e.g. renewable energy,

etc.)

purchasing environmental

ly efficient products)

Tax reductions for products and services

(e.g. VAT reductions)

Demand subsidies (e.g. eco-vouchers,

consumer subsidies)

Awareness raising and information

provision

About the

Eco-Innovation

Observatory (EIO)

The Eco-Innovation Observatory (EIO) is the initiative financed by the European Commission’s Directorate-

General for the Environment. The Observatory is developing an integrated information source and a series

of analyses on eco-innovation trends and markets, targeting business, innovation service providers, policy

makers as well as researchers and analysts.

Visit EIO and DG ENV EcoAP website and register to get access to more information

and to access all EIO resources.

www.eco-innovation.eu

ec.europa.eu/environment/ecoap