By Teti Igoumenidi

The Digital Economy Forum 2025: “From Vision to Impact”, organized by the Federation of Hellenic ICT Enterprises (SEPE), highlighted the future of digital transformation in both public and private sectors, the applications of Artificial Intelligence, the footprint of the digital industry in development and social well-being, and Greece’s emergence as a digital hub in Southeastern Europe. The event also marked SEPE’s 30 years of dynamic presence.

Opening the Conference, the First Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors of SEPE, Spyros Manolopoulos, pointed out that Greek digital industry is an international creative force. “The digital technology sector in our country constitutes the new creative Greece. It has a strong footprint in the economy and society, with more than 4,600 businesses and, of course, enjoys international recognition.”

In this context, digital technology is now the main pillar of the global economy and a necessary factor of social well-being.

Manolopoulos said, “In this environment of challenges and opportunities, we are called upon in the coming years to accelerate our pace, to become more efficient, to shape an institutional framework that promotes development, to ensure that technological progress serves people, society and the economy. Because only then will digital development acquire real meaning. Because only then will the vision become action, with a substantial footprint for everyone.”

Technology plays a central role in defense

The Chief of the General Staff of the Hellenic National Defense (GHND) General Dimitrios Choupis focused on the new challenges and the enormous opportunities that the convergence of the defense and technology sectors creates for the country’s security during his speech at the forum.

Choupis emphasized that the “Agenda 2030 is the country’s strategic response to the challenges of the 21st century, which recognizes that defense and technology are inextricably linked and clearly mutually reinforcing.”

He noted that “the concept of security now goes beyond the narrow limits of the hitherto considered classic conventional military threat with linear characteristics.”

Agenda 2030 involves integrated C4ISR systems; cyberspace operations and critical infrastructure resilience; AI-assisted decision-making and support process and methodology for dealing with unfriendly AI techniques for all emerging threats; autonomous, collaborative and advanced unmanned autonomous or swarms of systems with algorithms for secure operational exploitation and largely dual-use; space-based resilient and secure communication and information capabilities to increase security capabilities; advanced sensor technologies and information prediction receptors for future threats.

In this context, Choupis addressed “a clear and patriotic invitation to all Greek IT companies, scale-ups and startups”, saying that “National Defense does not treat them simply as suppliers or resellers, but as strategic partners and catalysts for the strategic development and security of the nation.”

In particular, Choupis focused on startups that are active in the implementation and counteraction of malicious artificial intelligence, in the utilization of cyberspace, in the utilization – management of data, in autonomous and collaborative advanced systems, in the utilization of all applications of space, but also in digital platforms for information management – counter-information, as well as in all areas related to national security.

He said, “we are looking for safe and fast technologies that can initially cover 80% of the requirements, can mature, can be tested immediately, can be integrated rapidly and perform by providing a comparative, scientific and operational advantage. Greek startups showcase scientific excellence, product quality, and international orientation through their work in technology interoperability.” He concluded by saying that “the invitation and challenge to the Greek technology and innovation ecosystem is open, honest and above all strategic.”