Innovation networks and research collaborations play a fundamental role in promoting knowledge exchange, knowledge transfer and innovation, contributing to scientific excellence and economic development. European research and innovation programmes, particularly Horizon Europe, have strengthened collaborative research by supporting partnerships among universities, research organisations, businesses and public institutions. Although Greece has strengthened its participation in European collaborative research programmes, limited empirical evidence exists on how innovation networks facilitate knowledge transfer and evolve into sustainable research collaborations beyond the duration of funded projects.

This study aims to investigate the formation and operation of innovation networks and research collaborations in Greece, focusing on the organisational and institutional mechanisms that support knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer within collaborative research networks. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how research collaborations established through Horizon Europe contribute to the development of sustainable innovation networks and strengthen the national innovation system. To achieve this objective, the study adopts a mixed-method research approach, combining bibliometric analysis and Social Network Analysis (SNA) with semi-structured interviews involving representatives from universities, research organisations, businesses and public authorities participating in European research projects.

The study is expected to provide new insights into the factors that influence the development and sustainability of innovation networks in Greece and to identify the mechanisms through which collaborative research enhances knowledge transfer and long-term cooperation. The findings are expected to contribute to the literature on innovation networks and research collaborations while offering evidence-based policy recommendations for strengthening Greece's participation in Horizon Europe and improving the effectiveness of the national innovation system.