The biggest fair in Southeastern Europe, Thessaloniki International Fair is announcing the most innovative exhibition in 2020 Beyond 4.0 which will be held from 1st to 4th of October. We have talked to Mr Christos Alexopoulos, representative of TIF in Serbia.
Mr Alexopoulos what is Beyond 4.0. and why is it a renaissance of innovation, invention and discovery?
Beyond 4.0 is planned to incorporate a thought-leadership conference with keynote speeches from top-tier international pioneers, featuring high-calibre panel, parallel workshops and seminars, exploring trends, models, theories and disruptions that will provide special solutions to specific issues. All the stakeholders of Change will have the chance to pitch their ideas, present their game-changing products or services, network with related parties and explore potential business opportunities.
Intelligent connectivity and exponential technology are achieving global adoption at an unprecedented rate, transforming the way we connect, communicate and collaborate. Everyday life is pivoting, and the shift is extremely fast due to technologies like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Genomics and Biotechnology, networks, nanotechnology, etc. With game-changing technologies, break-through innovations and growth platforms we can expect the rate of acceleration in 2020 to be the fastest up to date.
Who is it designed for?
Big corporations, start-ups, mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors, universities, research centres, government executives BEYOND 4.0, is designed to be a hybrid amalgamation of a cross-discipline and cross-industry “exhibition meets summit” platform bringing together the movers of this evolution, from South-Eastern Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa.
To this extraordinary idea, I would also add my own proposal, which I have put forward so far, that it would be a good idea to form a common digital platform with a strategic goal of developing digital future in the Balkans. As digital Greece and digital Serbia, all-digital countries should be united in one platform in the Balkans, and Thessaloniki is the right place to do so.
What are the current circumstances at the Thessaloniki Fair and why openness to the Balkans and Serbia at this moment?
The TIF is at a crucial juncture in its history. The trade-craft acquired over more than eight decades and the experience accumulated at home and abroad has paved the way for bold new departures in three separate directions. The first is the renewal of the exhibitions organization and its expansion into new activities. The second is internationalization, a wager we placed from the first moment of our administration and which we are slowly but surely winning. The third new front is the development of the THESSALONIKI International Exhibitions Centre.
What are the benefits for Serbia?
I believe that the Serbian economy will benefit profoundly by accepting extroversion as a model that we shall implement. I see extroversion as a kind of lever for Serbian economic development. Greece managed to recover its economy and Serbia should look up to their example. Participating at the fair would be a pillar of extroversion by which Serbia would strengthen the network with other countries, an encounter with new technologies, create contacts and establish new trade network. It would also be a great opportunity for Serbia to position its products in the international market as well as form a common product for a third market.
What are your future plans as a representative of TIF in Serbia?
In April 2020 we will organize a forum in Belgrade, EXTROVERSION AS A PILLAR FOR SERBIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT with the President of TIF Helexpo Mr Anastasios Tzikas as a Chairman and other experts from Greece as guests where we will discuss topics of mutual contribution and benefits. We also expect and invite all relevant participants to join and further distribute the experience and suggestions.