Smart Islands Conference – Kastellorizo, 20-21 September 2025 (EN)

Smart Islands Conference

Kastellorizo 2025
Thematic Areas

Here are some key topics that could serve as central themes for the conference focusing on the transformation of Greek islands into “SMART ISLANDS”:

1. Sustainable Energy Solutions
   • Integration of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal energy.
   • Energy efficiency and implementation of smart grids to reduce carbon emissions.
   • Exploration of solar parks, such as the study being prepared by BIENTER for Pserimos.
2. Smart Infrastructure and Urban Planning
   • Development of smart settlements on the islands with smart transportation systems, green buildings, and efficient waste management.
   • Use of Internet of Things (IoT) for effective management of water supply, energy, and waste.
3. Digital Connectivity and Innovation
   • Improvement of broadband and 5G connectivity to ensure global connectivity for the islands.
   • Digital transformation for local businesses, tourism, and public services.
4. Smart Tourism
   • Leveraging smart technologies to enhance the tourist experience while preserving cultural heritage.
   • Implementation of AI-based tourism management systems for sustainable and personalized tourist experiences.
   • Exploration of digital tools to highlight cultural heritage and support the creation of digital cultural products by local communities.
5. Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection
   • Development of strategies to address climate change, including sea level rise and extreme weather events.
   • Focus on protecting biodiversity and the islands’ unique ecosystems.
6. Smart Mobility and Transportation
   • Promotion of electric vehicles, shared transport solutions, and smart ports for greener inter-island mobility.
   • Integration of smart transit systems for more efficient and eco-friendly movement of residents and visitors. Astypalea and Chalki have smart solutions to showcase.
   • Development of autonomous ferry services and electric maritime transport, like Chalki’s pioneering solar-powered vessel.
7. Innovations in Health and Safety
   • Implementation of smart healthcare systems, including telemedicine, to better serve island populations.
   • Preparedness for emergencies through smart crisis management systems.
8. Economic and Social Development
   • Encouragement of tech startups and remote work hubs to boost local economies.
   • Exploration of conditions and incentives to attract “digital nomads” to the islands.
   • Promotion of educational initiatives and skill-upgrading programs in smart technologies for local residents.
9. Circular Economy and Waste Management
   • Emphasis on circular economy practices to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and promote sustainable use of local resources.
   • Smart waste collection and recycling systems using IoT.
   • Optimization of systems for effective waste and recycling management.
10. Water Management
    • Implementation of smart water monitoring and management systems to ensure efficient use and reduce waste.
    • Eco-hydrological solutions to boost water resources on small arid islands, e.g., the Fournoi Ikarias example.
    • Desalination.
11. Geopolitical Context
    • Analysis of the geopolitical importance of the Greek islands and how smart technologies can enhance their strategic regional role.
12. Demographics and Low Birth Rates
    • Study of the demographic profile of the islands and the social/technological solutions to improve quality of life and attract new residents.
    • Tackling low birth rates through technologies that encourage retention and development of local communities.
13. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
    • Use of AI and robotics to automate services, optimize resource management, and improve daily operations on the islands.
14. Social Innovation and Participation
    • How local communities can actively participate in decision-making using digital tools, polls, and participatory budgeting.
    • Presentation of successful social innovation models from Greek islands.
15. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for Smart Islands
    • Promotion of dialogue on best practices for public-private cooperation aimed at developing smart solutions on the islands and attracting international investment.
16. Utilizing Local Resources and Traditions through Technology
    • Reference to practices that combine local resources with innovative technologies to create products and services that boost the local economy (e.g., smart agriculture, livestock farming, fishing, etc.).