Greece Embraces Digital Transformation with an Eye on Skill Gap
Greece, within a few years, has seen a dramatic escalation in digital transactions within the public sector, reaching 1.5 billion transactions between citizens and businesses by 2023, up from just 40 million in 2019. Demosthenes Anagnostopoulos, Secretary General of Information Systems and Digital Governance, highlighted this progress at the Beyond AI conference in Thessaloniki. The development illustrates significant strides in digital service provision, eliminating the need for the physical exchange of documents.
Technological Education Struggles to Keep Pace with Market Demands
However, Anagnostopoulos emphasized a looming challenge: the discrepancy between the digital skills the market demands and those offered by the education system. As recent as last year, of the 14 computer science departments in Greece, only one included coursework on cloud computing technology in its undergraduate programs, a critical gap considering the importance of the technology.
Addressing Skilled Technician Shortage and Outdated Equipment
Giota Paparidou, President of the Hellenic Association of Information Technology and Communications Enterprises (SEPE), pointed out the anticipated shortage of specialized technical personnel, estimated to be tens of thousands of positions by 2030. Moreover, the Greek public sector faces challenges in cybersecurity due to outdated technological equipment, with most public servants working on computers last upgraded in 2009 at best—a significant security vulnerability.
AI’s Potential in Economic Development
Sofia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou, President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also recognized the potential contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the competitiveness of the Greek economy. Citing research findings, Kounenaki-Efraimoglou projected that AI could add approximately $195 billion to the country’s GDP over the next 15 years. This growth necessitates targeted strategies, investments, and supportive legislative and regulatory frameworks at both European and national levels.
Investing in Digital Skilling Initiatives
SEPE has joined forces with 37 Greek university schools to tackle human resource challenges. They focus on re-skilling programs, having prepared a training program for 10,000 unemployed and under-employed individuals to enter the tech sector as junior professionals. Efforts also include addressing active aging in terms of technology use, particularly for those over 60 years old.
Key Questions and Answers:
– What is the magnitude of digital transformation in the Greek public sector?
Digital transactions between citizens and businesses in the Greek public sector have escalated dramatically, reaching 1.5 billion by 2023 from just 40 million in 2019.
– Is the Greek education system keeping up with the demand for digital skills?
No, there is a significant discrepancy between the market’s demand for digital skills and what the education system offers, with only one out of 14 computer science departments including coursework on cloud computing as of last year.
– What challenges does the Greek public sector face in cybersecurity?
The public sector is challenged by outdated technological equipment, with most public servants working on computers that were last upgraded in 2009, posing a significant security risk.
– How can AI impact Greece’s economy?
AI has the potential to significantly bolster Greece’s economy, with projections suggesting it could add approximately $195 billion to the country’s GDP over the next 15 years.
– What initiatives are underway to address skill gaps and technology literacy?
SEPE and Greek university schools are collaborating to re-skill 10,000 individuals to enter the tech sector and are addressing technology use, particularly among those over 60 years old.
Challenges and Controversies:
– The Greek education system’s lag in incorporating essential modern digital skills, such as cloud computing, into its curricula presents a key challenge to sustaining the digital transformation momentum.
– The anticipated shortage of specialized technical personnel, potentially tens of thousands of positions by 2030, is another considerable hurdle.
– The state of cybersecurity with the prevalent use of outdated technological equipment in the public sector underscores a critical vulnerability.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
The digital transformation of the Greek public sector offers numerous advantages, such as improved efficiency in public services, reduced bureaucracy, enhanced transparency, and potential economic growth. Specifically, the incorporation of AI technologies and digital transactions can streamline processes and be a significant contributor to GDP growth.
However, there are notable disadvantages as well, including a growing digital divide where segments of the population, like the elderly, may struggle to adapt to new technologies, resulting in social and economic exclusion. Additionally, there is the risk of unemployment or underemployment for those whose skills do not match the new digital requirements of the market.
Related Links:
– For information on Greek digital initiatives and policies, visit the website of the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance at mindigital.gr.
– To understand the digital skills gap in Europe and how it is being addressed, the European Commission’s page on digital skills may provide insights at ec.europa.eu.
– For information on AI’s contribution to economies and potential predictions, oecd.org often provides reports and statistics on such topics.