DAISSy-HOU presented Tour-X at the first Scientific Conference of IME-GSEVEE

October 21, 2025

The DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) successfully participated in the proceedings of the first Scientific Conference of the “Institute of Small Enterprises (IME)” of the “General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE)” on very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Greece, entitled “The New Dynamics of Small Enterprises: Their Role in the Economy of Tomorrow” featuring distinguished representatives from the scientific community. It is noted that the Conference is closely linked to the implementation of the “Tour-X” European project, where DAISSy-HOU plays an active role, as a Greek partner.

Specifically, the Conference took place on October 3–4, 2025, at the premises of IME GSEVEE in Athens (address: 46 Aristotelous str.), and mainly aimed at promoting research, exchanging evidence-based views, and strengthening scientific dialogue. With 11 thematic panels and more than 60 scientific presentations in English, the 1st Scientific Conference covered fields such as the international environment, competitiveness, innovation, micro-entrepreneurship, platforms and new digital models, resilience, insurance, skills, vulnerable social groups, and more.

The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU was represented by Ms. Panagiota Polymeropoulou, Senior Researcher of DAISSy–HOU and of the Tour-X project, who actively participated in all sessions of the Conference and also delivered an in-person presentation entitled “Enhancing Education and Employability using the Tour-X Graduate Tracking System”, within the thematic section about “Labor Market, Resilience & Social Challenges for SMEs”. The presentation was based on findings from relevant research conducted under the implementation of the Tour-X project by Panagiota Polymeropoulou, Dr. Ioanna Giannoukou (Associate Professor at the University of Patras and Senior Researcher of the DAISSy- HOU), and Dr. Achilles Kameas (Professor at the Hellenic Open University and Director of the DAISSy – HOU).

It is noteworthy that this publication is part of the design and development of the methodology, platform, and questionnaires of the Tour-X research, within the framework of the project deliverable entitled “Quality Framework for Improving the Quality of Vocational Education and Training (VET) through Feedback Mechanisms and Graduate Tracking Systems Development.”

The Tour-X Project, a Center of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative for the Tourism Industry, aims to foster excellence in this sector through a “bottom-up” approach. The project has a four-year duration (June 2022 – May 2026) and is co-funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium comprising twenty-three (23) experienced partners, representing leading providers of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the field of Tourism, as well as Regional Authorities, from six EU Member States (Greece, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Portugal) and China.

The DAISSy – HOU, the Greek partner, serves as a key academic member of the transnational consortium. It participates in all project deliverables and is responsible for developing the “Quality Framework for Improving Quality in VET through Feedback Loops and Graduate Tracking Systems Development”, as well as for the “Creation and Maintenance of a Database System (Watch Tower)” addressing regional skill needs in the Tourism sector. At the same time, the DAISSy Research Group contributes to the effective implementation of the project’s activities in Greece by connecting relevant national stakeholders to ensure the broad exploitation of Tour-X results and the long-term impact of the project.

For more information about the TOUR-X project of the DAISSy-HOU: