Evgenios Kalpyris, Greek Ambassador to China gives a speech at the 2023 WIOTC. Photo: Courtesy of the Greek Embassy in China

"The IoT (Internet of Things) is not simply a technological trend; it's a transformative force reshaping the economy in a new, interconnected era. The challenge for Greece, as for many other countries that do not lead the race but hope to not fall behind in this new reality- is to balance advancements and threats, particularly in the realm of security," said Evgenios Kalpyris, Greek Ambassador to China, in a speech on Monday when attending the opening ceremony of the 2023 World Internet of Things Convention in Beijing. 

Ambassador Kalpyris shared relevant Greek development initiatives and fruitful achievements in terms of applying IoT in real estate, energy management, smart cities, digital agriculture, and industrial innovation. 

He noted that, under the Greek Government's systematized regulatory and financing efforts, a significant economic transformation is under way. "One of the most recent and most promising Greek economic sectors to employ IoT is real estate," where companies partner with technology specialists to increase the efficiency of their businesses and create smart and sustainable buildings. Innovative real-estate applications process sensor data to lower consumption of resources, thus improving portfolio valuation while protecting the environment, Ambassador Kalpyris added.

Ambassador Kalpyris also intimated that the IoT project, Paros Island in Greece is underway, aiming to create "Europe's first smart island." It aims to redefine the relationship between cities and its citizens through advanced technological solutions, enhancing urban mobility. 

The forum, themed "New IoT, New Economy, New Era," aims to promote the economic transformation and upgrading of all countries in the world, jointly building a Smart World supported by the IoT and embracing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.