Strengthening public higher education, supporting students and linking universities with the productive sector and the labour market were among the key issues raised by Deputy Minister of Education Nikos Papaioannou in his address at the Leaders of the Greek Economy 2026 event, held at the Onassis Stegi. He stressed that investing in human capital is a strategic choice for the country’s future.
Education and the development of human capital are among the most important drivers of Greece’s competitiveness and growth prospects, Papaioannou said, noting that more than €1.5 billion has been allocated to strengthening higher education since 2020.
In his speech, Papaioannou placed particular emphasis on student welfare, announcing that funding for the student housing allowance will reach €90 million in 2026, compared with approximately €42 million in 2019. He also referred to plans to create around 8,600 new beds in student accommodation through public-private partnerships.
Education as an investment in competitiveness
“A country’s competitiveness does not depend solely on economic indicators, investment or productive infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said, stressing that the quality of human capital, knowledge creation, skills development and the promotion of innovation also play a decisive role.
In this context, he described education and public universities as irreplaceable, pointing out that increased funding is not merely an educational priority but a…
