On the subject of the digital transformation of Greece in recent years, the first issue of the Reform Observatory Bulletin of the Centre for Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) has been published.
In particular, it recognises that the uptake of digital technologies for the transformation of businesses and services has emerged in recent years as one of the key policy priorities at European Union (EU) level. The achievement of the European Digital Transformation Strategy is based on a reform and large-scale investment plan such as the Digital Decade, supported by very substantial funds, to be made available by the EU for this purpose.
In Greece, the necessary reforms and investments are planned on the basis of the Digital Transformation Bible 2020-2025, a structured national strategy that is in line with the above European policy framework for 2025. This strategy is supported by important financial tools available to the EU to this end, such as the 2021-2027 NSRF Digital Transformation Operational Programme and the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
The reforms needed to digitalise the Greek economy can be divided into the following four sub-categories:
- development of very high capacity digital infrastructure and technologies,
- promoting the digital transformation of businesses,
- digital skills and
- digitalisation of public administration
Specifically for digital skills, upgrading them is described as a complex objective, the achievement of which requires cooperation both at transnational level and between domestic public and private bodies and organisations, educational institutions, social partners, etc. Based on Greece’s strategic development, the relevant institutions in Greece are on a common path to develop digital skills across society, harmonise education programmes at all levels, educate citizens, make use of lifelong learning programmes and opportunities, enhance digital skills in the public sector, address skills mismatches with labour market needs, and foster cooperation between public and private actors. Finally, major priorities under this strategy are upgrading digital education and training programmes, strengthening the National Academy of Digital Competences and strengthening the National Alliance for Digital Skills and Employment.
Re-publication of part of the Bulletin. For more information visit the website of the JMRC.
