Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece

Study of the ICT sector in Greece: Current Situation and Future Trends
Deliverable 14: Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece-policy implications
In Manufacturing, emphasis is given to the promotion of innovation and the technological
modernization of firms under the investment law, which offers incentives for attracting
private capital in high technology products/ services. Stronger collaboration of firms is
promoted, while TANEO’s role is strengthened and the possibilities for investments in ICTs
are broadened. In the Shipping industry the introduction of integrated information technology
systems is promoted in order to upgrade the harbour services, whereas training and
education actions of personnel in the use of these new technologies are also included in the
planned actions.
In Trade, the development of an integrated information system is being designed, allowing
the mapping of certain markets and helping antitrust policy measures. At the same time, a
National Council of Electronic Business was founded aiming at designing a national strategy
for e-commerce. Furthermore, a portal named as Forum of Consumer will be soon launched,
a portal which will address the need of consumers for information. It is an action that
familiarizes citizens with services that can improve their everyday routine, something that
could have multiplying benefits for the population.
In terms of privatisations, the primary structural intervention affecting the domestic ICT
market is the further privatisation of National Telecommunication Company (OTE) till it
becomes completely private. This development changes the landscape of telecommunications
market, as the decision making process will ultimately change, allowing no political
interventions.
In Education, five platforms of distance learning have been designed, in order to facilitate the
educational activities at all levels of education. In Health, an integrated information system
(IASYS), which includes applications supporting the hospitals’ management and operations, is
going to be developed. Cost benefits from the introduction of that system is significant of
course. However, the basic impact will be the improvement of the services to the patients,
allowing citizens to actually conceive some tangible benefits from the introduction of ICTs. At
the same time, health constitutes a possible field of specialization for ICT firms and a
significant niche market, since there is a large number of institutions and agents that operate
in Health.
Within the framework of e-government, numerous projects are implemented. However, the
grid of actions under “SIZEFXIS” probably constitutes the most significant large scaled project
in ICTs that is currently implemented in Public Administration. This is expected to radically
improve the effectiveness and services of Public Administration leading to significant benefits
in every day’s routine of the citizens. Upgrading Taxisnet and the introducing new services
October 2006
Observatory for the Greek IS 21