The Department of Regional & Economic Development organized an educational visit to Patras on Friday, 27/02/2026, with the aim of attending the 9th Patras IQ Innovation and Technology Transfer Exhibition (https://patrasiq.gr/).

The main objective of students’ participation in Patras IQ was to bridge the theoretical knowledge of their study programme with real-world practice, through direct exposure to a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and knowledge transfer. By attending sessions and exhibition booths, engaging with start-ups, research outcomes, and spin-offs, and networking with businesses and institutions, students gained a comprehensive understanding of how innovation can be transformed into sustainable development.

As part of the exhibition programme, a talk was delivered by the Chair of the Department, Dr. Marina-Selini Katsaiti, entitled “Human vs Artificial Intelligence: The Challenge”, further strengthening the educational and institutional character of the Department’s participation. Dr. Katsaiti briefly outlined the main types of intelligence as presented in the relevant literature, focusing on Artificial Intelligence as a tool. She highlighted the key challenge of our time, that is, leveraging AI in ways that enhance human judgement and creativity, without replacing responsibility, transparency, and the values that should underpin education, innovation, and public action.