Greece as an example of best practice in promoting networks 5G and supporting startups in collaboration with the public sector, as highlighted in his remarks by the Ray Pinto, Director of Digital Transformation at DIGITALEUROPE, the organization representing European technology companies. Mr. Pinto, during an online discussion titled «The digital transformation »as a geopolitical challenge for Europe" organized on Wednesday, November 25, at the Constantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy and the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, noted in particular that all EU countries should follow theexample of Greece, while emphasizing the importance of connecting public institutions to broadband networks.
«No matter how much technology advances in Europe, if the necessary infrastructure isn’t in place to make use of these achievements, it will be like having modern trains without railroad tracks,» he said, adding that achieving high-speed internet across Europe will completely transform European society and the economy.
He even emphasized that the EU must accelerate its decision-making processes and the implementation of digital transformation policies, so that it can keep pace with the rapid pace of international challenges and stand up to global competition from digital superpowers.
For his part, the Secretary General for Digital Governance and Process Simplification, Leonidas Christopoulos who participated in the discussion, pointed out that the digital transformation has changed the way the global system operates, creating a new geopolitical landscape, to which Europe is called upon not only to adapt but also to help shape. At the same time, he emphasized that European cooperation on cybersecurity is a prerequisite for the effective protection of European digital infrastructure and content from cyberattacks.
Mr. Christopoulos presented the government’s initiatives to date aimed at promoting digital transformation, starting with the consolidation of all relevant responsibilities within the Ministry of Digital Governance, so that a single administrative unit could design and implement the necessary policies while coordinating all digital matters within the Greek public sector. He spoke at length about the creation of the gov.gr web portal, which currently provides more than 700 digital services to citizens, while emphasizing that the government rapidly advanced the 5G auction amid the pandemic and recommended the «Faistos» fund to finance and develop the necessary ecosystem by supporting startups that are innovating in the 5G sector.
The Fund’s operations are aligned, as part of the Ministry of Digital Governance’s strategy for 5G networks, with the allocation of spectrum to research centers and startups that are innovating using 5G as a platform. These two initiatives, together with the resources from the Recovery Fund that will be directed toward digital transformation, will boost value creation from the new networks, which can serve as a catalyst for the country’s growth.
The German European People's Party rapporteur on digital policy and artificial intelligence, Axel Voss, commented on the slow pace of the European response to rapid technological developments,artificial intelligence, Axel Voss, noting that this is due to the existing fragmentation within the Union. However, he stressed that this is a struggle for Europe’s survival, which is why a shift in mindset is needed, to secure the necessary funding that will enable the EU to become a leading force in the digital sphere. In the same vein, he highlighted the importance of promoting the digital single market, strengthening competition, and ensuring fair and effective taxation of digital companies, while welcoming the Greek government’s initiatives presented by Mr. Christopoulos, stating that there must also be digital mobilization at the national level, naturally under common European coordination.
The participants focused particularly on the ethical dimension of artificial intelligence and on «the need to promote European values in this technological sector» as noted by the discussion moderator, Panagiotis Kakolyris, Head of International Relations at the Constantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy. Mr. Voss emphasized the need to ensure transparency and oversight in the development of artificial intelligence, as «we still cannot be certain of the results and the social implications it may have.».
Particular emphasis was placed on the issue of building public trust in artificial intelligence, as a new institutional framework with strong safeguards is needed to ensure that people can interact safely with the technology. Mr. Pinto cited e-commerce as an example, noting that it took several years to establish the security environment that would reassure users. «Citizens need to be educated on the use and capabilities of new technologies, and we need to ensure that artificial intelligence is better tailored to the user, making their lives easier.».
Secretary-General Christopoulos emphasized that the state plays a vital role in ensuring this essential trust by monitoring and regulating, where necessary, the environment and ensuring a balance between protecting the public interest and promoting economic growth.
The discussion was organized as part of net@work, the European People’s Party’s think tank forum organized by WMCES on November 25 and 26, focusing on Europe’s geopolitical outlook.
