Papastratos and the Department of Management Science and Technology (DET) at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) today announced their strategic partnership as part of Papastratos’ major initiative, FutuReady Greece, marking the start of a long-term partnership that invests in the knowledge, skills, and prospects of the next generation. The event took place in the presence of the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, as well as representatives of the academic community, journalists, and company executives.
The Memorandum of Cooperation signed by Papastratos and the Department of International Business at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) represents one of the first substantive steps of FutuReady Greece, the initiative announced by Papastratos to mark the celebration of its 95 years of presence in Greece and with its 100th anniversary in sight.
As noted in the relevant announcement, through FutuReady Greece, Papastratos continues to invest steadily in young people, creating opportunities for education, skills development, and professional growth, with the aim of preparing them for the challenges—but above all, for the opportunities—that the future of work brings.
The partnership with the Athens University of Economics and Business is particularly significant, as it is a university with a strong tradition in economics, management, technology, and entrepreneurship, as well as a long-standing contribution to the development of scholars and executives who support the advancement of Greek business.
Through this collaboration, Papastratos aims to stand by the students of the Department of Management Science and Technology in a meaningful and practical way, supporting their journey from theory to practice.
At the heart of the Memorandum of Cooperation are, among other things, the awarding of 50 scholarships over the next 5 years to students from the region who will study in the Department of Management Science and Technology, beginning with the new academic year.
Each scholarship may be renewed for up to four years of study, reaching a total value of 26,000 euros per scholarship recipient, while the selection of scholarship recipients will take into account geographic and socioeconomic criteria, as well as academic performance, which will be evaluated at the end of each academic year.
In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding provides for a broader framework of strategic partnership between the two parties, which includes connecting students and recent graduates with the Papastratos (FutuReady Internship Program), as well as graduates of the Department with the international development program for young talent (Graduates Program).
At the same time, the company’s management team is expected to engage with students, both through lectures as part of undergraduate courses and through educational visits to the company’s facilities, with the aim of bridging the gap between theory and practice.
It also involves leveraging the knowledge generated at the University through joint studies and research, with indicative areas of focus such as technological advancements, skills, and the challenges of the next generation.
Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, stated: “The collaboration between the Athens University of Economics and Business and Papastratos is a particularly important example of connecting the academic community with society and the labor market, for the benefit of students and young people striving to achieve their goals.
The Athens University of Economics and Business has long been one of the country’s most outward-looking and dynamic universities, with a strong international presence, innovative degree programs, and significant academic distinctions. Its continuous progress demonstrates the potential of Greek public universities when we invest in knowledge, quality, and international outreach.
The Papastratos initiative, which provides 50 scholarships, mentoring programs, and professional development opportunities, represents a substantial investment in our youth and recognizes the efforts of both the students themselves and their families.
As a state, we continue to actively support the student community and public universities. From 2019 to the present, funding for the housing allowance has increased from 42 to 90 million euros annually, while we are also strengthening scholarships, internships, and student welfare initiatives. At the same time, through the Recovery Fund, the Ministry of Education is providing more than 3 million euros in funding for two new joint and dual master’s programs at the Athens University of Economics and Business in partnership with leading universities abroad, further strengthening its international presence and the opportunities it offers its students.
“Our goal is a public university that is modern, safe, internationally competitive, and open to collaborations that create real opportunities for students—through planning, consistency, and synergies.”
Vasilis Vasdekis, Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), commented: “The collaboration between the Athens University of Economics and Business, through the Department of Management Science and Technology, and Papastratos is a particularly important initiative with a significant academic and social impact.
For the Athens University of Economics and Business, outreach and engagement with society and the labor market are a fundamental part of its mission. This partnership actively advances that philosophy by combining support for students with the creation of opportunities for professional and academic growth.
The awarding of 50 scholarships over the next five years to students from the region promotes equal opportunities, supports excellence, and contributes significantly to social mobility. At the same time, initiatives involving internships, professional development, lectures, and joint research projects create a fruitful bridge between academic knowledge and practical application.
“We thank Papastratos for its trust and contribution to this joint effort. I am confident that this collaboration will offer significant value to our students, the academic community, and society as a whole.”
Tina Davou, CEO of Papastratos, emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership with the Athens University of Economics and Business, stated: “The partnership with the Athens University of Economics and Business, which we are formalizing today with the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, is of particular importance to us. Not only because we are joining forces with one of the country’s most important academic institutions, with a strong tradition of linking knowledge to the economy and entrepreneurship, but also because we are beginning to put into practice the FutuReady Greece initiative that we announced just a few days ago.
We want to stand alongside the young people who are studying, dreaming, and preparing for tomorrow. Through FutuReady Greece—an initiative that serves as a legacy for Papastratos’s 100th anniversary as well as for the country—we are creating the conditions for the younger generation to effectively tackle today’s challenges, while we continue to serve Greek society by investing in those who are building the future—in its people.”