Yiorgos Alexopoulos

Agricultural University of Athens

https://aoa.aua.gr/el/?teacher=alexopoylos-yiorgos

Dr Yiorgos Alexopoulos is a Senior Researcher and member of the Teaching Staff at the Laboratory of Rural Policy and Cooperatives of the Agricultural University of Athens, a Research Fellow at the University of Leicester and a Senior Research Fellow at Euricse in Trento, Italy, where he held a Marie Curie fellowship in social enterprise research. Since 2015 he has been a member of GECES, the European Commission’s expert group on social entrepreneurship, working on access to finance, and he has advised the European Commission, the OECD and the FAO on social enterprise finance and cooperative funding mechanisms. He was part of the academic advisory group of the Greek consortium in the SEED project and now coordinates the Greek consortium of SEED2SCALE. He is also an expert at the People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy (UnivSSE Coop).

social economy

cooperatives

social enterprise finance

social innovation

rural development

y.alexopoulos@socialinnovation.gr

Effie Amanatidou

Research and Innovation Policy Analys
University of Manchester
https://www.mioir.manchester.ac.uk/ 

Dr Effie Amanatidou is a Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Manchester Institute of Innovation Research / University of Manchester  (UK). Effie has over 25 years of experience in evaluation / impact assessment of research and innovation programmes, social innovation and foresight. Since 10 years ago Effie has taken up a special interest in researching social innovation in various contexts including social economy and in mobilizing and actively engaging society in such processes and thus taking responsibility in research and innovation a step further than the mainstream practices.

research evaluation
foresight
social innovation

e.amanatidou@socialinnovation.gr

Andreas Oikonomou

Psychologist & Education and Sustainability Expert

UnivSSE Coop – People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy

https://www.univsse.gr/

Andreas Oikonomou is a retired Professor of Psychology at the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), continuing his academic and research activities in the fields of sustainability, education and innovation. He holds undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral qualifications in Mathematics and Psychology from universities in Greece and France. He is a licensed psychologist and a certified trainer of adult trainers.

He teaches and coordinates programmes in pedagogical training and career counselling and has taught in postgraduate programmes in “Educational Administration and Organisation”, “Vocational Guidance”, “Environment and Behaviour” and “STEM”. He has also collaborated with the Hellenic Open University, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Democritus University of Thrace. He has extensive experience in European and national research programmes, curriculum development and adult education, supporting the design and implementation of innovative, inclusive learning programmes.

His work focuses on the development of future skills, supporting educators in vocational education and training (VET) and higher education institutions (HEIs), digital learning, and promoting sustainability, innovation and the development of skills aligned with the emerging needs of digital transformation and tourism.

He is a founding member and President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Friends of the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia, and Vice President for Research and Studies of the People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy.

For ten years (2016–2026), he served as a member of the Board of Directors of NOESIS – Thessaloniki Science Center & Technology Museum, representing the Municipality of Thermi.

civil society

public sector

innovation

a.oikonomou@socialinnovation.gr

Kostas Nikolaou

Environmentalist and SSE specialist
UnivSSE Coop – People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy UnivSSE Coop
https://www.univsse.gr/

Dr. Konstantinos Nikolaou is an environmentalist and active cooperator. Former Visiting Professor of Ecology and Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and former Professor – Consultant of Environmental Urban Planning at the Hellenic Open University. He taught at universities in the USA, France and Greece. He served as president of scientific conferences and co-editor of international scientific journals. He is co-founder and president of the People’s University of SSE “UnivSSE Coop” and president of the Union of SSE Bodies of Central Macedonia.

SSE education, social innovation

k.nikolaou@socialinnovation.gr

Alexandra Emirza

Expert
HIGGS
www.higgs3.orghttp://www.sedc.gr/

Alexandra Emirza is Deputy Director and Head of the Social Impact Assessment Unit at HIGGS. She has more than 20 years of experience in private and non-profit companies, specializing in conducting economic studies, as well as in the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of programs funded by national and international donors. Since 2012, she has been a trainer in capacity building for civil society organizations (CSOs), and since 2017 she has been a key member of the HIGGs team, offering training and consulting services to CSOs in areas such as strategic planning, project management, and social impact measurement, which is a central focus of her work. She has been trained by Social Value International and has conducted numerous program evaluations in the field of civil society.
She studied Public Administration at Panteion University and completed an MSc in Health Care Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham.

Civil Society sector Social Innovation Social Impact

a.emirza@socialinnovation.gr

Evangelos Sakellariou

General Manager
Development Agency of Karditsa (AN.KA) S.A.
https://www.anka.gr/

AN.KAs’ General Manager since 2022. Member of Karditsa’s Cooperation Ecosystem. Expert in project management, team management, support and leadership of local development initiatives. Motivator of Social Innovation initiatives. mentoring and coaching skills. Certified in Adult Education. 30 years’ experience in designing, managing and implementing European, national and co-funded projects and programs. Experienced in interregional projects, social cohesion, entrepreneurship support, urban and rural development programs (LEADER).

Civil Society sector Social Innovation Social Impact

e.sakellariou@socialinnovation.gr

Vasileios Bellis

Chemical Engineer
Development Agency of Karditsa
http://www.anka.gr/

Vasilios Bellis is a retired Chemical Engineer. He has worked in industry for the first 8 years of his professional career. Since 1990, he has worked at the Karditsa Development Company (AN.KA SA) which he served as General Manager for over 25 years. He is a member of the Karditsa Energy Community, the “Oikosfera” non-Governmental Organisation, while he actively participated in the establishment of the Karditsa Cooperative Bank. He has been systematically involved in the establishment and support of the local ”Karditsa Cooperative Ecosystem”. Finally, he is a member of the Urban Cooperative “Popular University of K.AL.O.” and the “Educational Platform of KALO” association.

Social innovation

participatory planning

social incubators

v.bellis@socialinnovation.gr

Alex Koutras

Project Manager
Electra Energy Social Coop
https://electraenergy.coop/en

Alex Koutras is a Project Manager at Electra Energy Social Cooperative, where he works on inclusive energy transition initiatives. He holds a B.Sc. in Geography from Harokopio University and an M.Sc. in Human Geography and Conflicts from Radboud University. With experience in EU research projects and grassroots environmental initiatives, he focuses on energy justice, participatory governance, and empowering vulnerable groups through socially innovative energy models.

energy democracy, social inclusion, just transition

a.koutras@socialinnovation.gr

Eleni Kontonasiou

Eleni Kontonasiou studied Social Work and European Culture in Greece and Psychology in France, with postgraduate studies in Health and Welfare Unit Management. She has long experience in the design and implementation of social policies (deinstitutionalisation of psychiatric patients, development of social policy programmes at local level, etc.). She is a founding member of Médecins Sans Frontières in Greece, with active participation in national and European social policy committees. Her publications cover mental health, disability, ageing and social inclusion, and she has translated J. Derrida’s “Resistances of Psychoanalysis” into Greek. Since 2014 she has led policy design for the Social and Solidarity Economy and today heads the Directorate of Social and Solidarity Economy. She is a member of the EU expert group on Social Economy (GECES).

social policy

social and solidarity economy

mental health and social inclusion

public administration

e.kontonasiou@socialinnovation.gr

Marianna Kondylidou

Head of Operations
SED CONSULTANTS PC
http://www.sedc.gr/

Ms. Marianna Kondilidou, PhD (cand), is a highly experienced Socioeconomic Expert and evaluator working with projects and programme funded by International Financing Institutions in Greece and internationally. She has a multidisciplinary academic background in Energy Engineering, Socioeconomic Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy. She has more than 35 years of experience in more than 45 countries, for international organisations and donors. She has dealt with a wide range of technical assistance projects in various fields, including regional development, public sector policies, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, grant management, social innovation, social inclusion, communication and awareness-raising.

Public Policy, Evaluation, Social policies

m.kondilidou@socialinnovation.gr

Ifigenia Douvitsa

Dr Ifigeneia Douvitsa is a lawyer specialising in cooperative law and the legal framework of the social and solidarity economy. She holds a PhD in Cooperative Law from the Democritus University of Thrace and is currently a postdoctoral researcher there, working on law, social reproduction and alternatives for elderly home care. She teaches cooperative law and public policy for the social and solidarity economy at the Hellenic Open University and is an adjunct professor at the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University, Canada. She has advised the World Bank, the FAO, the OECD, the European Commission and the International Cooperative Alliance on cooperative legislation, taxation and public policy in Europe and beyond, and served as associate to the Special Secretary for Social and Solidarity Economy at the Greek Ministry of Labour. She currently contributes to SEED2SCALE through the People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy (UnivSSE Coop).

cooperative law

social and solidarity economy

public policy

legal frameworks

capacity building

i.douvitsa@socialinnovation.gr

Tina Orfanidou

Expert
SED CONSULTANTS PC
http://www.sedc.gr/

Dr. Tina Orfanidou is a highly experienced expert with over 20 years of professional experience in the full spectrum of the policy cycle—from strategy design and programming to funding, implementation, and evaluation. Her work is deeply rooted in social policy, with a strong focus on social inclusion, social innovation, education, lifelong learning, skills development, employment, and human capital policies.She holds a PhD and combines academic and applied research experience with high-level expertise in the design and implementation of evaluations—including ex-ante, mid-term, on-going, ex-post, and social impact assessments—at the level of strategies, Operational Programmes, policy interventions, and funded projects.Dr. Orfanidou is actively involeved in the evaluation community, serving as Chair of the Hellenic Evaluation Society for over six years. She is also a long-standing member (2018–2025) of the Advisory Board of the Network of Evaluation Societies in Europe (NESE), contributing to the development of standards and practices in evaluation across Europe. Her work consistently aims to promote inclusive, evidence-based policy-making that advances social cohesion and equal opportunities.

Public Policy, Evaluation, Social policies

t.orfanidou@socialinnovation.gr

Andrianos Pappas

Association of SSE Entities of South Aegean

www.facebook.com/enosikalonotioaigaio

enosikalonotioaigaio@gmail.com

Andrianos Pappas is a Project Manager at the Association of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Entities of South Aegean, with an academic background of Electrical Engineering and Product Design Engineering. He is member of the Board of Directors of Apano Meria Social Cooperative Enterprise, which is part of the Association. Having been involved in numerous research and innovation projects in the region, he holds an expertise in the particularities of insularity, with a particular focus on sustainability, environmental protection, education and cultural heritage. 

a.pappas@socialinnovation.gr

Venetia Barbopoulou

Sociologist & Career Counsellor

UnivSSE Coop – People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy

https://www.univsse.gr/

Venetia Barbopoulou is a Sociologist and Career Counsellor and a member of the People’s University of Social Solidarity Economy (UnivSSE Coop). Her area of specialisation is the development of soft skills in lifelong learning.

As a Career Counsellor, she has collaborated with public organisations such as the Labour Institute of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (INE GSEE), the Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals (KETHEA), the Public Employment Service (DYPA), and the Career Services Offices of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Macedonia, as well as with private organisations.

As an Adult Educator, she has collaborated with the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (INEDIVIM), including Second Chance Schools and Higher Vocational Training Schools (SAEK), the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (EKDDA), among others.

As an Administrative Executive, she has participated in the organisation and management of formal and non-formal education programmes.

She currently works as a Career Counsellor in special education at secondary education level.

Her academic background includes postgraduate studies in Career Counselling, Adult Education and Communication.

v.barbopoulou@socialinnovation.gr

Christina Sakali

Political Economy Researcher & Career Counsellor

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)

https://www.polsci.auth.gr/melos_dep_polsci/σακαλή-χριστίνα/

Christina Sakali is a researcher, holds a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Macedonia, and is a certified Career Counsellor.
She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher on European research projects at Ghent University (Belgium) and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and has served as an Academic Fellow at the Research Centre for the Humanities (RCH) in Athens. She also has significant teaching and mentoring experience at academic institutions in Greece and abroad, including the University of Gloucestershire, Ghent University, the University of Crete, AUTH, and the Hellenic Open University.
During 2024–2025, she participated as a researcher in the HORIZON Europe ASSETS project (AdvancementS in Social Economy through Technological Solutions), focusing on the role of the social economy and social innovation in creating inclusive employment and quality jobs in Europe. During 2019–2022, she conducted postdoctoral research at Ghent University on the housing crisis in Greece and its connection to property institutions and the financialisation of housing.
In March 2026, she completed the evaluation of the first pilot social housing project for vulnerable groups in Greece, implemented by the Municipality of Thessaloniki in cooperation with the Metropolitan Development Agency of Thessaloniki and funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. At the same time, she participates as a Finance & Housing Expert in a DT Global study on the establishment of a Social Rental Agency and the financial sustainability of a social and affordable housing model in Thessaloniki.
Alongside her research and teaching work, she works as a Career Counsellor and Trainer, supporting individuals and groups in matters of professional development, career transitions and workplace challenges, entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship development, as well as the development of employability skills.
Her work is characterised by an interest in social innovation, the social economy, social inclusion, human resource development and employment, as well as by her participation in collaborations and initiatives with a strong social orientation, aiming to create collective benefit and social impact.

c.sakali@socialinnovation.gr

Theodoros Karyotis

Ghent University https://research.ugent.be/web/person/theodoros-karyotis-0/en

Dr. Theodoros Karyotis is a political scientist and postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University in Belgium. His research and professional activities focus on housing policy, particularly the ways in which legal frameworks, market dynamics, and public policies shape access to housing, as well as on the social and solidarity economy and collective forms of organisation.
He has taught courses on spatial issues, housing, urban development, inequality, and rights at the School of Spatial Planning and Development of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Department of Sociology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He is a member of the People’s University of Social and Solidarity Economy and a founding member of the Thessaloniki Tenants’ Union, where he contributes to policy development and communication initiatives concerning housing rights and public housing policy.

Institutional and Regulatory Frameworks · Housing Policy · Communication Strategy · Capacity Building · Social and Solidarity Economy · Collective Organisation and Participation

t.karyotis@socialinnovation.gr