Based in the city of Volos, University of Thessaly was founded in 1984, and was developed over five cities in the wider area (Volos, Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa and Lamia). With 18 academic Departments, 44 Postgraduate Study Programmes, more than 12,000 Students and approximatively 900 members of staff, it has a prominent position in the national educational system. The main mission of the University of Thessaly is the promotion of scientific knowledge through research and the contribution to the cultural and economic development of the local community and society. It is known for its excellent research performance and outstanding scientific achievements, in accordance with the international standards. The well equipped Laboratories of the different Departments and Research Units have a number of well-trained researchers to support them.

The University’s strategy on entrepreneurship is carried out by an institution-wide Unit, called Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (MOKE). MOKE started operating in 2003 (taking its current form in 2013) and its main objective is to develop the entrepreneurial and innovation skills of the students of the University of Thessaly and to provide support for them in undertaking entrepreneurial activities by teaching courses related to innovation and entrepreneurship, being in contact with enterprises, providing specialized guides and tools, and individual counselling. MOKE is run by the Research Unit of Infrastructure, Technology Policy and Development (RUITEPOD), operating in the Department of Planning and Regional Development and the Laboratory of Management, based on the Department of Economics. As part of its future goals, the University of Thessaly intends to strengthen its cooperations abroad, increase the quantity and quality of its human resources, attract young scientists and encourage research through the creation of modern research structures and participation in international research projects.

Prof. Pantoleon Skayannis: Professor of Infrastructure Policy (Department of Planning and Regional Development, School of Engineering, UTH), Director of the Research Unit of Infrastructure, Technology Policy and Development (RUITEPOD). Responsible for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (MOKE) of University of Thessaly. His research interests include infrastructures and new technologies, innovation and entrepreneurship, cities and subterannean structures, tourism and alternative tourism and transport and communication networks and development.

Assist. Prof. (under appointment) Yeoryios Stamboulis is responsible for the Educational Programmes of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (MOKE) of the University of Thessaly. His research interests include economics of technological and institutional change, management, strategy and policy for entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, organisation and strategic management, cooperatives management, strategy, organization and management.

Assist. Prof. Nikolaos Triantafyllopoulos: Assistant Professor of Planning and Real Estate (Department of Planning and Regional Development, School of Engineering, UTH). Manager of many property development and privatization projects. Consultant both at the private sector in the fields of real estate and urban planning (CB Richard Ellis S.A., Optimum PDC S.A., Euroconsultants S.A. etc.) and the public sector (Hellenic Tourist Properties S.A., Ministry of Planning etc.). Main research interests include the comprehensive approach of urban planning and governance, real estate development and management, Public-Private Partnerships.

Anna Zygoura: Diploma in Physics and Diploma in Organisation and Business Management, MSc in Economic and Social Studies for East Asia. Staff in the Research Unit for Infrastructure, Technology Policy and Development (Department of Planning and Regional Development, UTH) since 2000. Member of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (MOKE) of the University of Thessaly since 2003. Her research interests include local and regional development, innovation and entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

Petros Rodakinias: Diploma in Planning and Regional Development, MSc in Planning and Regional Development. Staff in the Research Unit for Infrastructure, Technology Policy and Development (Department of Planning and Regional Development, UTH) since 1998. Member of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit (MOKE) of the University of Thessaly since 2003. His research interests include local and regional development, infrastructures (with emphasis on new technologies), innovation and entrepreneurship.