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 One of the basic barriers for the sector’s growth is the limited broadband diffusion and the rather low quality of the relevant infrastructures. Improving infrastructures is a basic precondition for further growth, as it allows for more attractive, and at a reasonable price, services, which can attract broader categories of the population and the firms. Within this framework, a seemingly more aggressive effort from the public policy’s side for broadband expansion and increased public and private investments in infrastructures especially by firms from the telecommunication sector, create some positive expectations for the future. Besides, the sector’s growth is benefited by the technological convergence between IT and Telecommunications and the innovative value added services that are created, based on advanced infrastructures. The triple play services are the result of this convergence. IPTV services, video on demand, VoIP (for firms), and integrated solutions for B2B and B2C are some the new product / services created that may attract broader categories of users and expand the ICT use in the country. Firms’ beliefs about their sector are also moderate optimistic, since field research and business and consumers’ surveys show an improved economic climate. At the same time, the poor outcomes of the past fiscal years seem to be overcome, providing greater liquidity to the various subsectors. Furthermore, projections for 2006 and 2007 show an increase in the turnover, despite the small recession in 2005. Thus, the positive prospects for the expansion of ICT market can be reflected at their financial data in the next couple of years. Therefore, employment and investments at the sector (especially in the telecommunications) are estimated to increase at the short term basis, while firms report that they intend to intensify their efforts for greater differentiation, specialization, and focus on niche markets. Moreover, some restructuring actions have been taken, in order to rationalize the sector’s structure, while the increased interest from foreign investors indicates that there are some good business opportunities in the domestic market. At the same time, the sector gradually accumulates know-how and experience, by implementing large scaled and innovative ICT projects. This is a competitive advantage that should be further exploited at the international level and especially in the neighbouring countries. In the same context, apart from know-how and experience assets, human capital constitutes another significant advantage in the sector’s effort for growth. There are good and welleducated scientists, engineers and managers in the sector and the relevant labour market, while also the new graduates are adequately prepared. However, there is a missing link between firms and universities concerning their familiarization with market conditions and its requirements. The reinforcement and the extension of their collaboration in more areas seem necessary and is gradually cultivated. To sum up, the preconditions for the verification of the positive expectations are: The increase of public and private investments on broadband infrastructures. This will increase the competition in telecommunications and consequently in the IT market October 2006 Observatory for the Greek IS 6
Study of the ICT sector in Greece: Current Situation and Future Trends Deliverable 14: Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece-policy implications with new value-added products/ services. This will contribute to the further diffusion of the Internet. The development of some Greek digital context by ICT firms, which will lead to: a) a more intense diffusion of the Internet to eager potential users and some dynamic firms that are willing to participate in the Information Society, in combination with further training, b) the diffusion of ICTs in other sectors of the Greek economy The reinforcement of training/ advisory/ educational actions mainly by the State, but also by a more consumer-oriented strategy by firms. The rapid functional integration of ICTs in Public Administration, so as to offer real e- services, and not just reproducing some electronic bureaucracy. Additionally, the role of Public as a service provider that facilitates the citizens and firms’ activities should be further upgraded. Extroversion efforts from those who are capable for such actions, clearing up the field from problematic cases from the past, and speeding up the necessary mergers & acquisitions, ownership transitions, etc. The reinforcement of a more profound and intense collaboration between universities and firms, so as to ensure a better fit of market needs and human capital preparation, while improving the R&D collaboration as well. Concerning some policy proposals that can support the sector’s growth, they can be distinguished at three levels: a) ICTs firm level, b) public policy for the Information Society, and c) broader policies that have an impact on the ICT sector. More specifically: At the firm level of ICTs’ sector Restructuring actions, M&A, and strategic alliances should be fastened with the aim of rationalizing and improving the efficiency of ICTs’ structure. …with efforts of specialization, market segmentation and focus on niche markets –especially mainly by small firms …but also innovation and differentiation through more intensive R&D, in collaboration with universities and research centres Consumer-oriented strategies with the emphasis placed upon a) the cost for ICT users and b) the promotion of the benefits that the use of ICTs can entail to those that are willing but also to the more cautious potential users October 2006 Observatory for the Greek IS 7
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Prospects of the ICT sector in Greece

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