Michalis Katharakis graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Physics from the University of Crete in 1994. He continued his education with two doctoral degrees: a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and Physics from the National Technical University of Athens in 2003, and a Ph.D. in Production Engineering and Management from the Technical University of Crete in 2017. Dr. Katharakis has extensive experience in innovation management, entrepreneurship, and regional development. He currently holds the position of Director at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while also serving as the CEO of the Mediterranean Center for Agri-food Sufficiency and as Vice President of the Regional Council for Research and Innovation of Crete.Michalis’ research interests and publications primarily focus on innovation management, the development of collaborative formations, and technology transfer. He has contributed to two books and has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed international academic journals. Dr. Katharakis conducts research on the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the implementation of regional innovation strategies. Professor Katharakis has participated in the implementation of numerous EU-funded projects, managing over 5 million euros in funding. He has also completed several research projects funded by the Greek government. Since 2004, Michalis has served as Director of Technical Schools at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Dr. Katharakis is a regular contributor to Greek media on issues related to innovation and speaks fluent Greek and English. His work continues to bridge the gap between academic research and practical business applications, fostering economic development in Crete and beyond. In recent years, Dr. Katharakis’ research interests have expanded to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI tools. He is actively involved in the analysis and development of AI applications, focusing on leveraging them to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship. His research in this area aims to utilize the potential of AI to solve real-world problems in the business environment and promote sustainable development.