OBJECTIVES: To investigate the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in health technology industry in Greece.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted (April to June 2021) in member-companies of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE), the Panhellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF) and the Association of Health-Research and Biotechnology Industry (SEIV). Data collection was carried out via an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, using S.P.S.S. 25.0. The significance level was set at p≤0.05.

RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 74 companies (77.7% response rate). 62.2% were multinational companies, 40.5% were active in pharmaceuticals, 32.4% in biotechnology and medical equipment and 27.1% in both categories. 89.2% implement CSR actions, out of which 42.8% have >10 years of experience. Public health (37.7%), societal issues (27.2%) and environment (19.9%), are reported as the main fields of CSR actions. During COVID-19 pandemic, 75.7% implemented CSR actions with donations of medical devices/equipment, public health campaigns and the improvement of infrastructure/equipment maintenance. 62.2% of companies devoted up to 15% of their total budget for the pandemic. The contribution to society and the ethical commitment of the company reported as the main encouraging factors for implementing CSR, while bureaucracy and the lack of incentives as deterrents. Moreover, as far as the recommended policies, the improvement of the institutionalisation system, the rewarding of socially responsible companies and the provision of financial incentives, tax breaks are stated by the vast majority of respondents. Transparency in actions (78.4%) and in finance (54.1%) are referred as the main criteria for the company's inclusion in the institutionalisation system.

CONCLUSIONS: Health technology industry in Greece implemented CSR actions prior and during the pandemic. Prioritization setting should be focused on the recommended policies in order companies to reinforce their sustainability and expand investments in CRS actions.