Patras, Greece | January 30, 2025 – As part of ongoing efforts to embed sustainability into the fabric of project management across Europe, the PM² Center (Scientific Events) participated in the high-level Workshop on Research and Innovation in Western Greece, hosted by the Region of Western Greece. The event spotlighted funding opportunities under the Operational Programme “Western Greece 2021–2027”, with a strong emphasis on regional development, innovation, and collaboration.
This workshop marked a key opportunity for the SPM² project (Sustainable Project Management through PM²) to connect with regional innovation actors, universities, research centres, and SMEs, all actively engaged in shaping a greener, more competitive local economy.
Sustainability Meets Regional Innovation
Organized by the Region of Western Greece, the event brought together stakeholders from academia, business, and the public sector to explore how research and innovation can drive sustainable growth. In this context, the PM² Centerintroduced the SPM² project as a strategic initiative for building capacity in green project management.
“Project success in the new era must align with sustainability goals. SPM² offers the structure, tools, and recognition to make that happen,” emphasized representatives from PM² Center during the event.
Key messages shared included:
The SPM² Guide and Digital Hub as practical tools for managing projects in line with the EU Green Deal and UN SDGs.
The upcoming micro-credential framework designed to certify professionals in sustainable project competencies.
The alignment of SPM² with broader regional innovation strategies and funding priorities.
Strategic Outreach to Key Stakeholders
This event proved to be a strong dissemination milestone for the SPM² project, reaching participants deeply embedded in EU-funded initiatives, applied research, and policy-driven innovation. The participant profile included:
Professors and researchers from Western Greece universities
Directors of regional innovation centers
SME leaders from sectors like agri-food, digital tech, and sustainability
Regional development agency officers and public policymakers
The diversity of roles and sectors provided fertile ground for strategic dialogue on how sustainability can be institutionalized through project management methodologies like PM².
Building the Path for Future Engagement
The workshop sparked interest in future collaboration and paved the way for deeper engagement:
Stakeholders expressed enthusiasm about participating in SPM² workshops and trainings once the Guide and Digital Hub are released.
Discussions revealed strong alignment between regional needs and SPM² outputs, particularly in education, certification, and capacity building.
Universities and research centres showed willingness to integrate sustainability-oriented PM practices into curricula and organizational projects.
Positioning SPM² in Greece’s Innovation Landscape
By participating in this regional event, the PM² Center successfully positioned the SPM² project as a relevant and timely contribution to Greece’s sustainable innovation agenda. The presence of SPM² messaging and tools within the broader context of EU regional development efforts also helped reinforce the project’s visibility and policy relevance.
