Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece

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Study of the ICT sector in Greece: Current Situation and Future Trends Deliverable 14: Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece-policy implications to distinguish the priorities that can further support the growth of domestic ICT sector from that aspect. Improvement of infrastructures, content and services The fundamental priority is the growth of broadband infrastructures, digital content and services based on the advanced infrastructures. Public investments seem henceforth to be enforced, with more aggressive action towards their implementation. Moreover, the peripheral character of these actions aims to bridge the digital gap between Athens and the regions and acts supplementary to private investments, which are materialized mainly in Athens and Thessalonica. The consistent implementation of the Strategic Broadband Plan is of great importance and should have the commitment of all involved institutions and the broad political consensus for its rapid and effective implementation. Emphasis on the organizational change of firms and the Public Sector Infrastructures and content are basic elements of the Information Society, but the diffusion of new technologies in firms and the Public Sector is neither automatic, nor simple. It requires a change of the traditional structures and operation of firms, since it changes their way of thinking, the way of organizing resources, business and management techniques, as well as human resource management methods. By just implanting systems and software in the Public Sector and in firms, without the corresponding organizational changes, the concept of Information Society is not being promoted. In view of the implementation of the 4 th CFS projects, this aspect should be included in every action or intervention, in order to emphasize not only on the improvement of the system, but also on the transformation of services and operations that the system supports. Expanding the use of ICTs in the Public Administration The use of ICTs in the Public Administration can improve its efficiency, and also limit corruption and bureaucracy. A vertical electronic linkage of a minister’s various agencies, the horizontal linkage of ministries, the e-procurement, and the electronic signature, represent some of the actions that can alter the current operation of Public Administration. After all, an advanced e-government may function as a motivation for citizens and firms to adopt ICTs in order to deal with the Public Sector. Integration and consistency of the regulatory framework for telecommunications October 2006 Observatory for the Greek IS 44
Study of the ICT sector in Greece: Current Situation and Future Trends Deliverable 14: Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece-policy implications Empowering EETT (Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission) The increased regulatory responsibilities created in former monopolistic markets when it is privatized, calls for longer-lasting planning and effective regulation imperative. The vague regulatory framework in telecommunications discourages private investments in infrastructures despite the so called open market (since 2001). Given, though, that the process of liberalization is determined to a great extent by the European Union, the quality of regulation is finally dependent on the adequacy of the corresponding institution. Hence, a powerful and independent EETT, which will not be influenced by any financial ups and downs of the relevant firms or any political interventions, is more than necessary. Its independence can be ensured by stability in management, long-term financing, and recruitment of highly specialized personnel. Finding the balance between competition and growth is not an easy exercise. Furthermore, institutional issues are still open (LLU, security issues, electronic communications regulation, spectrum management issues, etc). Besides, the European Commissioner is constantly referring to the lack of essential competition in the telecommunication market, due to delays regarding the reconcilement with the Community Regulations. Independency will allow EETT to optimize its regulating role and smoothen out the existing irregularities. Final decisions on several institutional issues of the digital economy Several institutional issues remain open. Issues of e-security, e-signature, tele-working, illegal Internet content, etc require a solid institutional framework. Their resolution can promote ICTs diffusion into the socio-economic activities of the country, as it will increase confidence of potential users and constrain the technophobic attitude that citizens and firms hold towards new technologies. Enforcement of training activities and skills development regarding ICTs for everyone… The digital gap between the small part of the population and businesses that adopt rapidly new technologies and the larger part that still holds back must be bridged. This constitutes a crucial priority and challenge for all current policies at a European level and represents the third axis of i-2001 policies. The main reason seems to be the lack of advising / training and at a smaller degree the cost. Therefore, emphasis should be given on the development of skills. Everyone must have equal chances of developing the necessary abilities and knowledge in order to actively participate and fully benefit from the Internet and the Knowledge Economy. Additional efforts for October 2006 Observatory for the Greek IS 45
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Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece

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