Knowledge Sessions – Actionable Discussions – 1

KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS – ACTIONABLE DISCUSSIONS

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council on Competitiveness for Greece (CompeteGR), has been organizing biweekly online knowledge sessions featuring representatives of its member companies, various associations and academia as well as other friends of the Council to discuss specific issues and put forth opinions and proposals.

 Each session begins with a brief statement from Council President Mr. Simos Anastasopoulos, followed by a presentation, by Council Executive Director Dr. Venetia Koussia, on Greece’s competitive position according to international reports, and a brief introduction on each of the session’s topics by a knowledgeable and distinguished speaker.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Crisis Levels and Crisis Management – Chryssos Kavounides, BCG; member of CompeteGR’s Experts Committee

Safeguarding our lives and our livelihoods is the indisputable goal of every political and business leader. Both the problem of the virus itself and the problem of minimizing the impact of the preventive measures on business and the economy must be addressed in parallel. As we fight against the virus, we are also fighting for our prosperity.

To avoid disasters of a more enduring nature, we must opt, within a specified period of time, to limit the extent of the economic shock by defeating the virus. The recent report of the Governor of the Bank of Greece shows the way, underlining the value of competitiveness and reforms.

In order to solve both problems, we need attitudes and policies that limit the spread of the virus and pave the way for a return to work and to family and civic duties. Speed and determination always play a key role in times of crisis.