Greek enterprises must take significant strides towards achieving their digital objectives by 2030, asserted Giorgos Xirogiannis, the General Director of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV). Speaking at the 2nd CIO Summit@ Costa Navarino organized by Boussias events, Xirogiannis highlighted the pressing need for companies to adapt to the Industry 4.0 environment.
He noted that companies need to multiply their efforts, notably in the realms of cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and big data. The target is to improve results by five times for cloud computing, nineteen times for artificial intelligence, and sixfold for big data analytics. He explained that compared to the European Union average, Greek businesses are only halfway to adopting new information technology practices, with a significant portion showing disinterest.
Better news comes from the Greek industrial sector where there is a higher penetration of Information Technology (IT) solutions, reaching 78% adoption compared to the EU average. There’s also a considerable interest in solutions for predictive maintenance and quality control.
Despite facing successive crises—economic, health, energy, and geopolitical—Greek businesses have shown remarkable resilience. SEV has initiated several efforts to support Greek companies in their technological advancements. These include the creation of practical guides for IT solutions, workshops on AI Act compliance, a partnership with the National Commission for Artificial Intelligence, and collaboration with Google to enhance skill sets.
The benefits of IT adoption for businesses, as observed, include improved productivity and efficiency, with a potential time saving of approximately two hours per employee per day, a 20% increase in sales and profits, an 80% reduction in accidents, a 44% faster completion of routine tasks, and a 55% decrease in defective products.
Important Questions and Answers:
1. What are the key challenges Greek businesses face in their digital transformation?
Greek enterprises encounter challenges such as investment in new technologies, resistance to change, upskilling the workforce, and ensuring data security and privacy. These impediments must be addressed to achieve the digital objectives by 2030.
2. How does the digital transformation in Greece compare to the rest of the EU?
Currently, Greek businesses are only halfway to adopting new information technology practices compared to the EU average. This represents a digital lag that Greece is working to overcome through various initiatives and collaborations.
3. What initiatives has SEV taken to support Greek companies in their technological advancements?
SEV has undertaken numerous initiatives, including the creation of practical guides for IT solutions, workshops on AI Act compliance, partnerships with national and international bodies like the National Commission for Artificial Intelligence, and collaboration with Google for skill enhancement.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– Financial Constraints: Many Greek businesses may find it difficult to allocate funds toward digital technologies due to the past economic crisis.
– Talent Development: There is a need for skilled personnel adept in digital technologies, which necessitates significant investment in education and training.
– Data Privacy and Security: As businesses embrace digital solutions, concerns over data privacy and security become paramount.
Advantages of Digital Transformation:
– Increased Efficiency: Automation and digital tools can greatly enhance productivity.
– Sales and Profit Growth: Improved online visibility and analytics can lead to a 20% increase in sales and profits.
– Reduced Accidents and Defects: Implementation of safer and more precise digital applications can reduce accidents and product defects by up to 80% and 55% respectively.
Disadvantages of Digital Transformation:
– Upfront Costs: Initial investments in new technologies can be substantial.
– Disruption of Current Operations: The transition period may temporarily disturb the established order of business.
– Cybersecurity Risks: With greater digitalization comes increased vulnerability to cyberattacks.
For more information on the initiatives and progress of Greek companies in digital transformation, you can visit the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV). To learn about the broader European context and strategies for digitalization, the official website of the European Union may provide additional insights.