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Sustainable Development Policies

7.4.5

Assistance to Low-Carbon Innovation

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes the vital role of innovation in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient future. As part of its institutional commitment to sustainability, UTh is dedicated to advancing low-carbon innovation through the promotion of research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship that enable the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable economy. Through this policy, the University provides assistance, infrastructure, and technical expertise to individuals, organizations, and businesses working to develop, test, and implement low-carbon technologies and solutions. By mobilizing its academic resources, laboratories, and innovation centers, UTh seeks to create an environment that supports collaboration between researchers, industry, and public institutions in the pursuit of climate-neutral development.

This policy establishes a structured framework for the University’s role in supporting and accelerating low-carbon research and innovation, in alignment with Greece’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the European Green Deal, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the University’s strategic framework for promoting innovation, research, and technology transfer in support of low-carbon development. Specifically, this policy aims to:

  • Support and promote innovation in low-carbon technologies and sustainable processes;
  • Encourage research and development in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and carbon capture;
  • Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology from university laboratories to industry and society;
  • Foster public–private partnerships that accelerate the commercialization of low-carbon solutions;
  • Contribute to Greece’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and the European Green Deal objectives.

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is consistent with the legal and regulatory obligations of the University of Thessaly as a public institution under Greek and European Union law. It aligns with:

  • Law 4957/2022;
  • Law 4635/2019 on Innovation and Development;
  • EU Regulation 2021/1119 (European Climate Law);
  • EU Green Deal (2019);
  • National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
  • University of Thessaly Sustainability and Innovation Strategy 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to all activities of the University of Thessaly related to low-carbon innovation and sustainable technology development. Specifically, this policy applies to:

  • University research and innovation units, including incubators, laboratories, and research centers;
  • Academic and administrative staff, students, and external collaborators engaged in low-carbon research or projects;
  • Industry partners, start-ups, and public entities cooperating with the University in low-carbon innovation initiatives.

Policy Statement

UTh commits to fostering and accelerating low-carbon innovation through a coordinated approach that combines research, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and collaborative partnerships. Key priorities include:

  • Support for Low-Carbon Research and Development:
    • The University will actively promote and fund research in: Renewable energy generation (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass); Energy efficiency technologies; Low-emission transport systems; Sustainable building materials and design; Circular economy and waste-to-energy systems.
    • Research proposals focusing on carbon neutrality and climate resilience will receive priority support through internal and external funding mechanisms.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support:
    • The University will provide mentorship, incubation, and technical support to students, researchers, and start-ups developing low-carbon solutions.
    • The UTh Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center will serve as the central platform for: Business acceleration programs; Prototype development; Commercialization of green technologies; Access to investors and funding opportunities (EU and national programs).
  • Partnerships for Low-Carbon Development:
    • The University will collaborate with local authorities, industry, and civil society organizations to design and implement low-carbon projects at regional and national scales.
    • Strategic partnerships will be formed under initiatives such as Horizon Europe, Interreg, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
    • Collaborative projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, and create green jobs in the Thessaly region.
  • Knowledge Transfer and Policy Support:
    • The University will provide scientific expertise to governments and organizations developing climate and energy policies.
    • Researchers and experts from UTh will participate in policy working groups and advisory committees, contributing data and recommendations for low-carbon transitions.
    • Research outputs will be disseminated through policy briefs, reports, and academic publications.
  • Educational and Capacity-Building Programs:
    • The University will integrate low-carbon innovation topics into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.
    • Specialized training programs, seminars, and workshops will be offered to students, industry professionals, and public servants on: Carbon management; Clean technology deployment; Life cycle assessment; Sustainable business models.

Governance

A dedicated steering committee (SC) shall oversee the implementation of this policy. The Committee shall include the Vice-Rector of innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance as well as representatives from:

  • UTh Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
  • Department of Environmental Sciences;
  • Engineering Departments;
  • Faculty experts in low-carbon systems.

The committee will oversee the implementation of this policy, approve research and innovation initiatives, and ensure alignment with the University’s sustainability and research objectives.

The committee shall report annually to the University Council on policy implementation, partnerships, funding, and innovation outcomes.

An Advisory Board may provide guidance and strategic direction. Its responsibilities include:

  • Providing strategic guidance on research priorities, innovation pathways, and technology transfer strategies;
  • Advising on partnerships and funding opportunities to enhance the impact of University-led innovation;
  • Reviewing the outcomes of low-carbon projects and recommending improvements for effectiveness and scalability;
  • Fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies.

Advocacy

UTh recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond its own research and innovation activities. As a leading institution in higher education, UTh will actively advocate for low-carbon innovation, sustainable technology adoption, and evidence-based policymaking, contributing to regional, national, and international efforts toward decarbonization and climate neutrality.

Purpose of Advocacy

  • Promote awareness and adoption of low-carbon technologies and innovation practices within the academic and industrial sectors;
  • Reinforce the University’s leadership role in advancing clean technology and sustainability-oriented research.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with government agencies, industries, research consortia, and innovation networks to support low-carbon technology deployment;
  • Engage students, researchers, and entrepreneurs in advocacy and innovation activities;
  • Partner with non-governmental organizations and business associations to promote policy frameworks that accelerate low-carbon transitions.

Public Positioning

  • Make public statements endorsing innovation in renewable energy, circular economy, and carbon reduction strategies;
  • Advocate for supportive policy environments at national and EU levels that promote research and innovation in low-carbon sectors;
  • Participate in conferences, networks, and international collaborations advancing climate and clean technology innovation.

Internal Advocacy

  • Integrate advocacy and innovation ethics into the University’s curricula and research practices;
  • Encourage interdisciplinary research that produces tangible low-carbon solutions;
  • Provide workshops and training for staff and students on innovation management and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Transparency and Reporting

The University will publish an Annual Low-Carbon Innovation Report documenting:

  • The number and scope of research projects, start-ups, and industrial collaborations;
  • Outcomes of innovation and technology transfer initiatives;
  • Estimated environmental and socio-economic impacts of University-supported low-carbon technologies;
  • Partnerships and funding secured under national and international programs for low-carbon innovation.
  • Carbon emissions reduced or avoided through implemented technologies

The report, along with all related materials, data, and lessons learned, will be publicly available through the University’s website and innovation platforms, ensuring transparency, accountability, and knowledge dissemination.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy shall be reviewed at least every three (3) years, or sooner if significant changes occur in EU or national legislation, technological developments, or the University’s strategic direction. The review process will assess policy effectiveness, stakeholder feedback, and alignment with evolving sustainability goals, ensuring continuous improvement in UTh’s support for low-carbon innovation.

 

 


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