These words from Despina Anastasopoulos, Program Manager of the Research and Innovation Department at Netcompany in Greece, capture the essence of her work at the intersection of academic research and practical innovation. Leading a team in the Research and Innovation Development department, she’s helping transform innovative concepts into real-world solutions.
Nurturing innovation through leadership
When Despina joined Netcompany’s Research and Innovation Development (RID) department as a specialist implementing EU-funded projects, she brought with her an insatiable curiosity and drive for optimisation. »I’ve always lived by the principle that with the right mindset, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for innovation,« she reflects.
Early in her career, she experimented with fixed-solution projects but quickly discovered her true calling lay in research and innovation. »I tried working on more conventional projects, but my endless curiosity and eagerness to seek new ways of optimisation didn’t quite fit there. RID was a natural destination for me – a place where questioning the norm is not just accepted but encouraged.«
This mindset, combined with supportive leadership, allowed her to grow alongside the rapidly expanding department. She credits her swift progression to her manager who created a safe environment for developing both technical and soft skills. »Being involved in decision-making processes, strategy discussions, and growth planning cultivated my leadership abilities. Today, I apply these same principles when leading my own team.«
From local ideation to global implementation
In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, RID departments play a crucial role in keeping companies at the cutting edge. »We function as an innovation hub,« Despina explains. »For over two decades, we have been actively contributing to EU Research Programmes, bringing together academic institutions, research centres, and industry partners to solve multidisciplinary challenges.« Her team’s work spans multiple domains: creating proof-of-concepts for both internal and external clients, developing new technical assets to test emerging technology stacks, and implementing research prototypes that challenge current practices.
This collaborative environment perfectly suits her methodical mindset. »Each project requires its own unique approach,« she explains. »We carefully tailor our solutions to the specific challenges at hand, whether we’re testing new technological concepts or optimising existing systems.« Drawing on the company’s extensive track record, her team’s impact resonates throughout the company and beyond, transforming both the organisation and the broader European community.
Beyond the glass ceiling
As a woman in tech, Despina is part of a growing movement challenging industry stereotypes. »While the EU IT market averages only 21% female participation (as per 2024), at Netcompany, I am proud and lucky to be among the 34% of our female colleagues,« she notes. »This diversity isn’t just about numbers – it creates a more inclusive environment, drives creativity, and fosters balanced decision-making.«
Her rapid progression from specialist to Program Manager exemplifies how combining technical expertise with unique perspectives can accelerate career growth. Leading complex research initiatives across Europe, she has proven that diverse leadership brings fresh approaches to challenging problems. »Diversity in teams isn’t just about representation,» she explains. «In general, and with RID in particular, pushing beyond the state of the art requires both technical expertise and a creative curiosity that comes from varied backgrounds and experiences.«
Program Manager of the Research and Innovation Department
Charting your own path
Looking back on her journey from managing individual projects to overseeing programs that strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in ICT, Despina emphasises the importance of persistence and optimism. »Success in research and innovation isn’t just about technical skills,« she reflects. »It’s about being bold enough to question established practices and resilient enough to keep pushing forward when solutions aren’t immediately obvious.«
Her commercial approach to problem-solving, combined with strong technical expertise, has been crucial to her success. Drawing from her experience leading transformative projects, she encourages others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. »Take it day by day, stay curious, and don’t let any barriers, define your potential,« she shares. »This approach has brought me to where I am today, and it can do the same for others looking to make their mark in technology and innovation.«
