Green Wave of Entrepreneurship: A Climate Resilience Pathway

Antonis Klapsis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of the Peloponnese and Vice President of KMOP-Social Action and Innovation Centre. He is the academic coordinator of the Centre of International and European Political Economy and Governance at the University of the Peloponnese. He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Foundation of the Hellenic Parliament for Parliamentarism and Democracy, as well as of the Academic Council of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies. He is the author of eleven books, has edited eight collective volumes, and has published numerous articles in scientific journals in Greece and abroad.

Constantina Kottaridi is Full Professor at the University of Piraeus, Department of Economics. She owns a BSc in Economics from Athens University of Economics and Business, MSc in Economics from Iowa State University (ISU), USA with “Minor” in Statistics and a PhD title from Athens University of Economics and Business. She has served as a faculty member at the University of Peloponnese; she has also taught at Iowa State University (USA), London School of Economics (GB), Athens University of Economics and Business and the University of Ioannina. At the present, she is also a teaching staff at the Hellenic Open University and the Open University Cyprus.

Currently, she is the Director of the MSc in Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Sustainable Development as well as the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Laboratory. She is also a member of the Sustainability Committee of the University of Piraeus. She is the University of Piraeus’ representative of SDSN Greece (Sustainable Development Solutions Network)  and a judge in Sustainability awards, Green awards and circular economy awards. She is also the university’s liaison with CSR Greece (Corporate Social Responsibility). Se works with the private sector as a consultant in sustainability and circular economy business strategies. She is also the Executive Director at the Athenian Policy Forum and a Special Adviser of Observatory Plus, Crisis Observatory, ELIAMEP (Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy). She has also served as a Board Member of the Centre of the Hellenic Language and member of the Steering Committee at the Hellenic Open University.  In December 2015 she was appointed unanimously as Greece’s Representative at the Board of European International Business Academy (EIBA), where she served until December 2021. She has also served as a Special Adviser to the Minister of Education in Greece in 2014. 

Her research interests revolve around Economic Development, Growth and Sustainability, Circular Economy and Sustainable Development, Institutions, Foreign Direct Investment and Multinational Corporations, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and their internationalisation. Her research is published in highly recognized journals such as the International Business Review, Review of International Economics, Journal of Macroeconomics, Empirical Economics, etc. 

She has participated in a number of research projects while she often is invited for guest lectures in her topics of interest. Her work has been exposed in numerous international, well-acknowledged conferences. She was the team leader of the Circular Economy and Waste Management axis for the climate contract between Kalamata, one of the 100 EU climate neutral cities by 2030, while she is currently working with the Municipality towards implementation of circular economy strategies. She is also participating to a COST program (Cooperation, development and cross-border transfer of Industrial Symbiosis among industry actors and related stakeholders). 

Alexandros Kotsis-Giannarakis is an Environmental Projects Manager. He is responsible for the design and implementation of Environmental, Circular Economy and Agri-Food programs in Organization Earth. He has been involved in ENI CBC MED, ESF, PRIMA and Erasmus+ projects. He holds a degree in Environmental Geoscience, from the University of Edinburgh.

Tanguy Kabahizi Kamp is the CEO of KABA, an organisation that focuses on business development and economic growth. KABA is governed by a 30-member board of directors and a 13-member executive committee. Board members are nominated and elected by KABA members. Tanguy leads the organisation’s strategic vision and initiatives, working alongside other professionals committed to promoting the economic prosperity of the community1.

In addition, Tanguy has been involved in blockchain technology and arts initiatives. He has presented topics related to blockchain in Africa and NFTs, showcasing KABA’s innovative approach to these emerging fields. His leadership and expertise contribute significantly to KABA’s mission.

Αndreas Stefanidis is the president of the historical Educational Association of Athens HFAISTOS, president of the Academy of Entrepreneurship, a non-profit organization which aims to create a healthier entrepreneurial environment on a national and European level, and also members of the Catalyst 2030 global movement. Academy of Entrepreneurship is a member of the Euclid Network and founding partner of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).

Andreas is since 2014 the Accelerator Director of Aephoria.net host organisation of Bluegrowth accelerator of sustainable business ideas related to local sea and aquatic resources. He holds a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management Accounting and Minor in Economics from the State University of New York at New Paltz (1994), having graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. He has also been certified as a trainer of adult non-formal education and for designing and teaching online courses from Rutgers University. In 2008, he introduced the Global Entrepreneurship Week in Greece.

Panagiota Kokoliou is a seasoned Project Manager and Researcher at KMOP-Social Action and Innovation Centre in Athens, where she has been pivotal in managing and evaluating significant EU-funded projects since 2018. Holding an MBA from Neapolis University Pafos, alongside her academic background in Sociology from Panteion University and further studies at Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, her expertise spans migration, social inclusion, gender issues, and educational skills development.

Panagiota has made commendable contributions to the field through her presentations at notable conferences of the European Society of Criminology and her voluntary work with the Restorative Justice and Mediation Lab. Her role in leading diverse teams towards the successful delivery of over ten projects across various programs like AMIF, REC, and Erasmus+ exemplifies her dedication to applying theoretical knowledge to practical societal challenges.

Giannis Sifakis is a Web Developer at KMOP, working in the Communication Unit. He has studied Computer Science at the University of Piraeus, Department of Digital Systems and Networks. With 10 years of experience in digital transformation, he specialises in developing digital applications, websites, and softwares. Giannis has significant expertise in designing online courses for non-formal education and managing online portals. He has published articles on emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. Giannis has participated in conferences and exhibitions focused on entrepreneurship and youth initiatives. In 2017, he organised the Local Government and Entrepreneurship Forum as part of the Money Show in Athens.

Daria Bădescu is part of EaSI’s innovative team, being involved in the development and implementation of several European-funded projects, including initiatives related to the Environment & Sustainability sector. She was part of Circular Loops’ implementing team and of the Sustain Circuit’s coordinating team, two initiatives focused on promoting sustainable development and the advancement of green practices across Europe.

Sarah Wild holds a Master’s degree in Business Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Additionally, she is certified as a systemic coach, further enhancing her capability to support organizational development and individual growth. With 15 years of experience in managing EU projects Sarah has honed expertise in coordinating and leading complex initiatives. Working for BUPNET, she has specialized in managing sustainability projects, integration and cultural topics, as well as age-sensitive learning. Sarah designs and delivers inclusive and comprehensive educational programs tailored to diverse needs.

Tobias Elies, a project manager at blinc eG since 2021, specializes in developing online learning platforms and materials, with a focus on entrepreneurship and circular economy topics. He has extensive experience working on European projects, including INTERREG, AMIF, and Erasmus+. Before joining blinc eG, Tobias spent over a decade in the software and IT industry, where he held various roles in partner management, sales, marketing, and commercial product management. His diverse background and expertise drive innovation and impactful results in his current projects.