At Digital Economy Forum SEPE’s president spoke in the morning PASOK-KINAL, Nikos Androulakis, where, among other things, he noted how the digital transition it should be fair, with priorities deriving from the needs of society, public administration and the economy, taking into account the significant experience that Greek IT companies have.

“Greece should not and cannot constantly remain at the tail end of global and European technological progress. International exhibitions reflect the position of our country, but also the opportunities and possibilities we have, if we make the right decisions and implement a proper long-term plan”, said the president of PASOK-Movement for Change, stressing that on a global level the digital transformation of public administration, business, economy and society is a priority. “Unfortunately, we are at the bottom of digital competitiveness. While we must not forget that the country we live in is a country with expensive and slow internet,” he remarked.

“In recent years, due to the pandemic, some important steps have been taken. We are not underestimating them, but certainly the indicators show that it is not enough. Those around us are running at faster speeds, we can’t be tailgaters yet. The interventions that we see today are in the majority of cases a change of packaging of the infrastructures that PASOK had designed, about 10-15 years ago, such as taxisnet, electronic prescriptions and many others, which were properly designed for their time, and the which are the foundation for today’s gov.gr”, pointed out the official opposition leader.

Mr. Androulakis underlined how public networks must be upgraded and to protect the environment with the help of digital infrastructures, as is the case in most European states.

“PASOK had and has a specific program. A new national planning with the best utilization of European funds is imperative. We cannot afford to let opportunities be lost by financially burdening the State”, he noted and added that a dialogue with society and implementation of regulations – where deemed necessary – is required to protect personal data and citizens’ rights.

“Our proposal for a fair digital transition and the strengthening of democracy has at its core the participation of citizens, with the strengthening of the DIAGEIA program, the strengthening of integrated digital governance, the skills of public administration officials and citizens, the digital transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises as well as the promotion of connectivity and broadband and the reduction of costs in telecommunications services”, said Mr. Androulakis and proposed nine main axes for the digital transition:

– Society without digital inequalities but with digital literacy and highly skilled digital professionals in key sectors.

– Simplifying procedures, digitizing public services and providing real services based on the different needs of citizens and businesses.

– Reducing the cost of internet access.

– Strengthening the NHS and digital transformation of health.

– Promoting citizen participation in decision-making processes and real consultation.

– We must finally become producers, not just consumers of technology. A made in Greece logic in technology is very important.

– Immediate implementation of innovative practices and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.

– To also strengthen the national cybersecurity strategy for the protection of personal data and rights, but with a truly independent Cybersecurity Authority.

“PASOK of DIAUGIA, opengov and major digital and institutional reforms invites civil society to participate in all these discussions concerning the development future of the country. We, therefore, will be by your side, because we believe that Greece does not need to restart but to move to a new version where technology serves the citizen, development and social cohesion”, concluded the president of PASOK-KINAL.