Frequently Asked Questions / Answers

The I.C.A.R. promotes policy proposals in collaboration with researchers and stakeholders, organizes participatory planning actions such as thematic and regional technology foresight, develops and operates or supervises digital platforms and collaboration networks in Attica, for innovation spillover. It also organizes networking and awareness-raising activities and publicity actions to expand the socio-economic impact of research and innovation. Finally, it develops an annual program in collaboration with the Research and Innovation (R&I) parties in Attica that are involved in any of the three areas of specialization of the Attica region, as defined in RIS3. 

The Innovation Center of Attica Region (I.C.A.R.) operates in the context of the regional innovation ecosystem and collaborates with all the regional parties involved in the process of knowledge and innovation generation. Its activities are closely connected to the existing activities of the research centers, institutions and businesses, targeting the growth of synergies, complementarity and development of best practices and knowledge spillover.

The I.C.A.R. supports with sufficient documentation the decision-making processes of the Attica regional institutions such as the Regional Governor, the Regional Council, various committees and so on. It also promotes good practices, submits proposals and enhances the involvement of the business web in the Region's infrastructure.

The mission of the Regional Research and Innovation Council of Attica (R.I.C.A) is to promote innovation, provide recommendations, encourage the development of clusters of public and private sector and create conditions and opportunities for a successful involvement of regional organizations in national and European research projects. I.C.A.R.'s task is to support R.I.C.A. from operational and strategic planning perspective.

The Innovation Center of Attica Region refers to all organizations, institutions and businesses which are focused on any of the three Areas of Specialization, as defined in the Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization, while contributing to the development of all the prerequisites for strengthening the interconnection between existing R&I networks, businesses and regional education and research centers, as well as existing clusters.

The objective of the Center is to support Research, Technological Development and Innovation with an investment priority to strengthen research and innovation infrastructures, to develop excellence incentives and to promote excellence centers, in particular, of European interest. 

The action is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a total budget of EUR 3,000,000 for a period of three (3) years.