Greece - Country Commercial Guide
Digital Economy
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Overview

Greece is undergoing a profound digital transformation with the goal of fully digitizing the country by 2025. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector plays a central role in the Greek government’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy, simplify procedures, and boost the country’s digital economy. Despite Greece ranking 25th out of 27 EU Member States in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), the country has made significant strides in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, moving many public services online. Greece has notably improved in Very High-Capacity Networks (VHCN) and 5G coverage, and the usage of digital public services has surged, with 69% of the population actively using e-government services, surpassing the EU average.

Greece’s enhanced digital environment has attracted substantial investment from U.S. technology firms, including Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Digital Reality, Amazon, Google, Starlink, META, and Palo Alto Networks. These companies have expanded their presence in Greece due to the country’s economic growth and digital opportunities. Greece is positioning itself as a regional data and innovation hub, with significant initiatives such as:

  • Microsoft’s “GR for Growth”: Establishing three data centers in the Attica region and training 100,000 citizens in digital technologies by 2025.
  • Deloitte’s Alexander Competence Center (DACC) S.A.: Launched in Thessaloniki, this hub focuses on developing next-generation innovation services and talent, employing around 1,000 professionals.
  • Accenture’s Longstanding Presence: With over 1,150 consultants in Greece, Accenture continues to invest in local talent and innovation.

U.S. firms are recognized as leaders in providing advanced technological solutions, including cloud services, database systems, applications infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more, to both the public and private sectors in Greece.

The Digital Transformation Program 2021-2027 is a flagship initiative by the Greek government, designed to accelerate the nation’s digital evolution. With significant co-funding from the European Union, the program aims to enhance Greece’s competitiveness, drive innovation, and foster social cohesion through the widespread adoption of digital technologies.

Key Objectives

  • Digitization of the Public Sector: The program prioritizes the modernization of public services through extensive digitization. This includes developing e-government applications and enhancing public administration to become more efficient and citizen-centric.
  • Expansion of Broadband Connectivity: A crucial goal is to ensure nationwide high-speed internet access, extending connectivity to rural and remote areas to bridge the digital divide.
  • Development of Digital Skills: By investing in education and training, the program seeks to equip the workforce with essential digital skills, vital for thriving in an evolving digital economy.

Leveraging Technology for Government Reforms (2023-2027)

Between 2023 and 2027, the government is rolling out a series of technology-focused initiatives aimed at creating a more secure, efficient, and inclusive society. These initiatives focus on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthening cybersecurity, empowering citizens through open data, and promoting digital inclusion.

AI for Public Good: In recognition of AI’s transformative potential, the government established a National AI Council in 2023. The council’s mandate includes exploring AI applications in healthcare, public safety, and economic development while addressing ethical concerns and potential risks. This effort aligns with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024, which sets global standards for responsible AI development and deployment.

Cybersecurity Infrastructure: To counter the growing threat of cyberattacks, the government established a dedicated Cybersecurity agency in 2024. This organization focuses on prevention, protection, deterrence, and recovery, ensuring a safer digital environment. The initiative supports the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and builds on the existing Cybersecurity Act (2019). The CRA, which takes effect in 2024, introduces approval processes for digital products and services, further strengthening cybersecurity measures.

Open Data: The government emphasizes open data practices by making publicly accessible and user-friendly datasets available on data.gov.gr, utilizing AI tools to enhance data utility. This initiative complies with the EU Data Governance Act (2022) and the Data Act (2023), empowering citizens through improved access to information for better decision-making and civic engagement.

Digital Accessibility: Recognizing the critical importance of digital accessibility, the government is working to align public websites and applications with international standards. This effort ensures that all citizens, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the digital world.  


Market Challenges

  • Stiff competition from France, Germany, the U.K and China.
  • EU suppliers have duty-free status and proximity to the Greek market.  Additionally, many projects are financed by EU loans which must be awarded to entities based in the EU.
  • The public sector share of GDP exceeds 40%. Public procurement is consequently an important component of the commercial landscape. The Government of Greece prefers, and often requires, foreign bidders to partner with Greek companies.
  • Businesses face frequent changes to the tax and regulatory environment.

Industry has periodically raised concerns over perceived onerous regulations and high compliance costs in Greece and more broadly in the EU.  Firms must navigate EU regulations which are mandatory for member states to implement as well as directives which provide a general framework and must be transposed into national legislation at the member state level. Differences in how directives are transposed in Greece and other member states complicate compliance for U.S. companies doing business in the EU.  

Most laws are set at the EU level. The Digital Economy Chapter of our Country Commercial Guide for the European Union provides a more comprehensive overview.

 

Digital Trade Opportunities

Greece’s ambitious Greece 2.0 program presents a wealth of opportunities to propel the country’s digital transformation. With a significant €7.7 billion (approximately $8.9 billion USD) allocated from the EU’s €30.5 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) package, Greece is poised to make significant strides in several key areas:

  • Next-Generation Infrastructure: A focus on 5G network development with a $176 million USD investment will lead to faster connectivity, enabling innovative applications and services across all sectors.
     
  • Empowered Public Sector: A $1.43 billion USD investment in the digital transformation of government services signifies a commitment to streamlining processes, enhancing transparency, and improving citizen engagement. Businesses and individuals alike will benefit from a more efficient and user-friendly public sector.
     
  • Digital Savvy Businesses: $413 million USD dedicated to business digitalization opens doors for SMEs to utilize digital tools and processes, increasing efficiency and access to new markets.
     
  • Future-proof Workforce: A substantial investment exceeding $550 million USD in the digital transformation of education and health systems ensures Greece’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Additionally, the $825 million USD allocated to digital upskilling programs enables individuals to adapt and advance their careers in this rapidly evolving landscape.

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