Days of Art in Greece: Mr. Kounetas, you are the director of the master’s program in “Innovation & Sustainable Entrepreneurship.” Who is the program designed for?

Konstantinos Kounetas: The program is designed for graduates from various academic disciplines who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of how innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and sustainable development are transforming the modern economy. The twin transition is now widely recognized, with its first key pillar fully covered by this master’s program. The program is not exclusively for economists or business executives. Rather, it is also aimed at engineers, scientists in the natural sciences, agronomists, and professionals seeking new tools and skills to meet the challenges of our time. The design of this master’s program allows all participants with an interest in the above topics to take part and gain valuable knowledge and skills. Therefore, what matters most to us is a willingness to learn, creativity, and active participation in an environment that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.

D.A.: The program is supported by more than one university department. Please tell us a little about its structure and academic staff.

K.K.: The program’s philosophy is deeply interdisciplinary. Innovation and sustainability cannot be approached through a single discipline. For this reason, different academic fields collaborate, offering students a comprehensive view of contemporary economic, technological, and environmental developments. The faculty consists of experienced university professors with significant research achievements, as well as industry professionals who bring valuable practical experience. We place the utmost importance on seminars led by experts to ensure our students are fully equipped to work independently. Our goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our master’s program features faculty members from the Universities of Patras and the Peloponnese, as well as from the Athens University of Economics and Business, representing six different departments. Furthermore, due to the distance learning format, we have opted for a modular approach, in which the course is not taught as a single “package” but is divided into small, self-contained modules. This approach allows for:

• specific learning objectives
• concise and clear content
• activities or exercises
• comprehension assessment

The idea is that our graduate students proceed step by step, mastering each module before moving on to the next. This makes learning more structured and better tailored to each student’s pace. Its main advantages include:

• a better understanding, because the material is “broken down” into small pieces
• flexibility (the student can repeat a module)
• personalized learning
• easier assessment of progress

“The program’s philosophy is deeply interdisciplinary. Innovation and sustainability cannot be approached through a single discipline.”

D.A.: What exactly do we define today as innovation, and what as sustainability?

K.K.: When we talk about innovation, we are not referring solely to technology or a new invention. Innovation is the transformation of a new idea into economic, social, or environmental value. It can involve a new product, a new service, a different production process, or even a new business model that improves competitiveness and people’s quality of life. On the other hand, sustainability concerns our ability to generate growth and prosperity today without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves striking a balance between economic progress, social cohesion, and the protection of the natural environment.
In today’s economy, these two concepts are now inextricably linked. Innovation is a key tool for achieving sustainability, while sustainability creates new opportunities for innovative business activities. From energy and industry to the agri-food sector, tourism, transportation, and digital services, the competitiveness of businesses depends increasingly on their ability to innovate in a responsible and sustainable manner. I would therefore say that the great challenge of our time is not simply to generate more growth, but to generate better growth: growth based on knowledge, technology, respect for the environment, and the creation of value for society as a whole.

D.A.: What can this program offer to already established business executives?

K.K.: We live in an era of constant change. Artificial intelligence, the green and energy transitions, new regulatory requirements, and digitalization are transforming the way businesses operate. In addition to professional experience, today’s executives need to continuously update their knowledge and develop strategic insight. This program offers exactly that: tools for understanding new trends and developing leadership skills that will enable businesses to remain competitive in a highly demanding environment. In summary, the Master’s Program in Innovative and Sustainable Entrepreneurship was designed to:

• Enhance one’s professional profile through specialization in innovation and sustainability.
• Update knowledge on new trends driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, the green transition, and new consumer patterns. Consequently, it will help executives understand how these changes affect their company’s business model.
• Develop skills and knowledge related to innovation strategy. Senior executives are often called upon to identify new markets, create new products or services, and enhance competitiveness. The program provides tools for topics related to innovation planning, business model development, and the management of transformation and change.
• Understand sustainability as a business opportunity; while it is linked to concepts such as ESG, it does not function on its own. At the corporate level, it is linked to cost reduction, easier access to financing, compliance with ESG environmental regulations, and improved corporate reputation. In other words, it is about creating real business value as an experienced executive.
• To improve leadership skills through the analysis of case studies, reviewing the literature, and exchanging experiences with other executives and instructors are expected to enhance strategic thinking, decision-making under uncertainty, managing innovative teams, and leading sustainable transformation.

“Innovation is the transformation of a new idea into economic, social, or environmental value.”

D.A.: Are we in an era of declining entrepreneurial interest among the younger generation?

K.K.: I wouldn’t entirely agree with that assessment. Young people are still deeply interested in creativity and innovation, and they have their own ways of communicating as well as their own perspectives on global issues. What has changed is the way they view entrepreneurship. Today, they seek activities that have a social impact, demonstrate environmental responsibility, and possess meaningful purpose. The university can serve as a catalyst by providing knowledge, infrastructure, and connections to the job market. At the same time, public administration must create a more supportive environment for new entrepreneurial initiatives. The greatest reward for a young entrepreneur is not only financial success but also the opportunity to create something that will have real value for society.

D.A.: Are global markets the goal of modern business?

K.K.: Global markets offer enormous opportunities, but they are not an end in themselves. There are small businesses that operate in niche markets and achieve exceptional results. Size is not always the determining factor in success. Small businesses often have greater flexibility, adapt more quickly to change, and maintain closer relationships with their customers. In many cases, these characteristics constitute a significant competitive advantage.

“Young people continue to take a keen interest in creativity and innovation, and they have their own ways of communicating as well as their own perspectives on global issues.”

D.A.: How important do you consider the development of artificial intelligence to be for industry and for addressing climate change?

K.K.: Artificial Intelligence is not just another technological tool. For industry, it is a driver of competitiveness and innovation, while in the context of climate change, it can serve as a key catalyst for the green transition. Companies that manage to effectively combine AI with sustainability strategies are likely to gain a significant advantage in the coming years. However, technology alone is not the solution. It requires responsible use, an institutional framework, and a human-centered approach. As for the question of happiness at work, I believe we are closer than ever to an era in which creativity and knowledge will become increasingly important. The key is for technological progress to be accompanied by social progress and a fair distribution of opportunities.

D.A.: You began your studies in mathematics and went on to study economics and entrepreneurship. How did this path come about?

K.K.: Mathematics gave me a unique way of thinking: to seek out structures, relationships, and solutions to complex problems. Economics, the study of environmental and energy economics, my exposure to the theory of innovation economics, and the study—not only in theory but also through real-world business practices—of the concept of entrepreneurship, offer a field where this analytical approach meets the real needs of society and production. Entrepreneurship and innovation are not merely abstract concepts or mechanisms for creating economic wealth. They are processes for creating new opportunities, new ideas, and new prospects for people. They represent technological change, development, and growth.

“The goal is for technological progress to be accompanied by social progress and a fair distribution of opportunities.”

On my personal journey I have been influenced by books and works that link economic progress with social well‑being, and by people who regarded knowledge as a means of service to society. My personal vision remains unchanged: the production of knowledge that can contribute to a more competitive, more innovative, and at the same time more sustainable and humane economy. The phrase “γηράσκων ἀεί διδάσκομαι,” attributed to the lawgiver Solon, should serve as a guiding principle for all of us.