R&D Expenditure
R&I projects
R&I projects by STRIA Roadmap
Evolution of daily funding by mode (Eur)
Top 5 beneficiaries
Distribution of R&I projects by transport mode
Number of projects by funding origin
Distribution of EU funding by transport mode
The National Strategy for Research, Technological Development and Innovation (National RTDI Strategy) sets out the country’s research and innovation policy. The General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) is the lead coordinating institution for developing the strategy. It conducts extensive consultations and works closely with co-competent Ministries, the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (NCRTI), as well as with the scientific community, business sector and economic partner representatives.
Greece combines this centrally administered National RTDI Strategy with Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) who provide a long-term framework for investments in research and innovation, seeking to identify the unique characteristics and competitive advantages of each country and region.
In June 2019, the National Transport Plan for Greece was published. This is a key policy document which will define the transport sector development strategy for the next 20 years and will support Greece's economic development.
In order to prepare for the 2021-2027 Programming Period, the National Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027 was launched by the GRSI, highlighting transport and logistics as a priority sector. Smart Transport Logistics: Areas of Intervention and Priorities 2021 – 2027 was released as part of the overall strategy, outlining specific areas of transport intervention and priority actions.
Additional transport planning documents that set out the framework for transport development at national and regional level include:
- Master plan 2020 for the city of Thessaloniki for transport infrastructure
- Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for Metropolitan Area of Thessaloniki
- Framework on the Rehabilitation and Restructure of the OSE (Greek Rail Organisation)
The main players involved in developing research and innovation policy at the political level in Greece are the Government and the Parliament. At the operational level, responsibility for research policy rests with the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Ministry of Education, Life Long Learning and Religious Affairs, along with the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism. Both the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) and the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CRTH) are supervised by the GSRT, and the National Council for Research and Technology (NCRT) also reports directly to the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is responsible for planning and implementing national transport policy. Policy developed by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and the Ministry of Development and Investment also has an important influence on transport research.
Transport research is financed through the general research funding, and through European and international funds. Public funding is allocated on a competitive basis by the Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2014-2020 (EPAnEK), which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Development and Investment. Research under the Regional Operational Programmes is the responsibility of the Regional Councils. European funds for transport research are available through the Framework Programmes and Structural Funds.
Current funding sources and programmes related to transport research in Greece include:
- Transport (2021-2027) - seeks to improve transport connectivity, ensuring an environmentally sustainable transport sector, providing accessibility and social inclusion and strengthening security and safety of transport systems. By implementing critical infrastructure projects that have a large multiplier for the economy it aims to make the daily life of citizens better
- Environment and Climate Change - aims to address the key energy and environmental challenges the country faces with respect to energy, climate change, solid waste, water, urban regeneration, capacity building, biodiversity, eco islands and urban mobility.
- Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2014-2020 (EPAnEK)
- Continental Greece Operational Programme - aims to contribute to the strategic vision of the region to achieve a balanced economic and social development, by improving the entrepreneurial and investment environment while respecting the environment and the citizen. It includes supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy in all sectors, and promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures.
- Ionian Islands Operational Programme - aims to boost economic development and create job opportunities in the Ionian Islands. It contributes to achieving the Europe 2020 targets for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, also in line with the smart specialisation strategy. This includes following the enhancement of transport infrastructures by promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures.
- Interreg V-A - Greece-Italy - supports strategic cross-border co-operation between Greece and Italy for a more prosperous and sustainable region across the Ionian Sea. One of the key priorities is having a multimodal sustainable transport system which includes: promoting investments in response to the needs for better regional and cross-border connectivity; accessibility to transport infrastructures; coordination of cross-border transport systems and procedures; the integration of regional, national and cross-border transportation planning; and the promotion of an efficient and environmentaly-friendly mobility and transport system.
- Interreg V-A - Greece-Bulgaria – one such priority is a better interconnected cross-border area with reduced travel times for goods and people, and improved traffic safety.
- Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development Operational Programme - programme includes 16 priority axes amongst transport and environment topics. Main objectives include; promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures.
Other regional programmes (2021-2027) linked to transport include:
- Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki
- Attiki
- Dytiki Ellada
- Dytiki Makedonia
- Ionia Nisia
- Ipeiros
- Kentriki Makedonia
- Kriti
- Notio Aigaio
- Peloponnisos
- Sterea Ellada
- Thessalia
- Voreio Aigaio
Latest projects
A unified information system for productivity and customer service improvement in the Public Transportation Companies
Efficient Management of Parking under Constraints
Transportation Emissions Measurement and Reaction
Intelligent Car Management Application for Advanced Green Road Transport Services
Advanced Cargo Transport Information Services
Public Transport Priority in Real Time
Green Transport in Island Areas
TRIMIS Search Hub
Latest funding programmes
Transport Research Activities
Operational Programme Competitiveness (2000-2006)
Ministry of Economy and Finance (various projects)
Operational Programme for Research and Technology (1995 - 2000)
Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works (various projects)
Ministry of Mercantile Marine (various projects)
