"Critical technologies can play a significant role in enhancing the European Union's economic growth and competitiveness," Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis emphasised during his remarks at an informal meeting of EU competitiveness ministers to discuss research and innovation, held in Copenhagen.
Speaking about how European countries can strengthen Europe's global position in critical technologies through research and innovation,  Kalafatis highlighted: "The successful development and deployment of critical technologies in the EU requires coordinated efforts. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential and can act as a catalyst for the advancement of critical technologies. We must strive to invest in the creation of specialised applied research hubs focused on critical technologies. These hubs will serve as innovation ecosystems, bringing together academia, industry, startups, and public institutions to collaborate on cutting-edge scientific and technological developments. The research hubs should integrate various fields such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum computing, and engineering." 
Linking this effort to the EU’s new initiative "Choose Europe for Science," Kalafatis said it was essential for these research hubs to retain top European and global talent. "Offering competitive opportunities, as well as training and mobility programmes for researchers, will create a strong knowledge base and foster a vibrant culture of innovation," he added.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Kalafatis met with German Minister for Research, Technology and Space Dorothee Bär, with Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless as well as with Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports of Lithuania, Regina Valutyte.