The Region of Attica, which includes Greater Athens, has presented a new strategy to strengthen the international orientation and competitiveness of local businesses in Greece. The initiative draws on the third thematic study by the Attica Region’s Observatory for Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship, conducted in cooperation with Grant Thornton.
Titled “Strengthening the International Orientation and Competitiveness of Businesses,” the study examined 244 companies across the Attica metropolitan area. It explored the scale of international business activity, the forms it takes, the benefits companies identify, and the main obstacles to further expansion.
Attica business competitiveness study finds substantial international activity
According to the findings, 66 percent of surveyed companies reported some form of international activity. Most activity remains concentrated in trade, including direct exports of products and services, imports of raw materials, and cooperation with representatives abroad. By contrast, more capital-intensive forms of international expansion remain less common.
Companies identified access to larger customer bases and new markets as the main reason for expanding internationally. In addition, businesses cited the potential for higher revenue and lower dependence on domestic market conditions. However, the study found that relatively few companies follow comprehensive long-term internationalization strategies. Overseas activity therefore often develops gradually and without clearly defined objectives.
Costs, bureaucracy, and financing remain key barriers
Businesses identified high operating costs, bureaucracy, limited access to financing, and insufficient organizational capacity as the main obstacles to international expansion. These constraints affect small and very small companies in particular, as they often have fewer resources to manage entry into foreign markets.
Moreover, the study found that financial assistance alone does not meet business needs. Companies also seek reliable market information, specialized advisory services, export expertise, and guidance on market-entry strategies. Some businesses also described existing public support programs as difficult to access or insufficiently effective. The study hence recommends simpler and better-coordinated measures tailored to various sectors and business demands.
Attica business competitiveness strategy proposes support network in Greece
Under the proposed strategy, the Region of Attica would create a support network for companies at varying stages of international expansion. Regional authorities said the initiative would complement national agencies responsible for export and economic policy in Greece rather than replace them.
The framework also calls for closer cooperation among chambers of commerce, professional associations, universities, economic diplomacy institutions, and organizations specializing in international business. Meanwhile, the Observatory presented the findings during its third thematic webinar, “Internationalization of Attica Businesses: From Exports to an International Presence.” Business representatives, institutional organizations and market specialists discussed financing, market intelligence, export skills, and cooperation between companies and support institutions.
The Observatory will next examine crisis management and business resilience through its thematic study “Crisis Management, Operational Risks and Adaptation to Change.” The research will focus on how Attica businesses prepare for natural disasters, economic disruptions, technological change and other operational risks.
€95.5 million allocated through “Attiki On”
The competitiveness initiative also includes financial support through “Attiki On,” a program operating under Greece’s National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF).
Authorities have approved 1,044 investment plans with €95.5 million ($111.5 million) in European funding. The program supports digital and technological transformation, energy upgrades, productivity, and competitiveness. It also aims to preserve existing jobs and support new employment.
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