Athens Named European Capital of Innovation 2018

EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas and Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis. Photo Source: @George Kaminis

Athens was named European Capital of Innovation for 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday.

The winner of the EU contest was announced during a Web Summit, having been made known earlier in the day by EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas.

“Athens is the EU Capital of Innovation 2018! A city that uses innovation to leave no one behind, a story of urban and social like no other. Let’s be inspired by this great innovation capital!” said Moedas via his twitter account.

The Greek capital was among 12 finalist cities vying for this year’s European Capital of Innovation Award (iCapital) – an annual cash prize awarded to the European city that achieves to harness innovation to improve the lives of its citizens.

Toulouse (France), Hamburg (Germany), Lueven (Belgium), Omeo (Sweden), and Aarhus (Denmark) had reached the final selection process.

From Lisbon, Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis said via his twitter account: “Athens won! We just accepted the European Commission’s award, naming Athens the European Capital of Innovation for 2018. Everything we’ve achieved, we’ve achieved together!“

Photo Source: @George Kaminis

The award goes to cities that contribute to dynamic innovation ecosystems, involve citizens in governance and decision-making, and  tap into innovation to improve resiliency and sustainability in urban settings.

Winners of the European Innovation Capital award receive 1 million euros, with the five runner-up cities awarded 100,000 euros.

Addressing the summit, Moedas said “the most successful innovative cities are those that make their citizens the agents of change”.