1st Session: Fiber has the power!

After several years of planning, delays, promises and going back & forth, we see a real project come into shape, for the implementation of high speed networks.

On the way to the «Gigabit Society», Internet of Things and 5G, there is an actual need for New Generation Networks, of high capacity, speed and reliability.

The main components for this are VDSL, fiber optics, wireless networks and satellite coverage, based around NGA Plan, Superfast Broadband and Rural Extension. All of the above, combined with accepting a regulatory framework by HTPC and the express government support for digital projects, a positive climate grows in this market.

Providers have already submitted their investment plans, and it all points that the 1st quarter of 2018 will signal our escape from the digital underdevelopment in this country, with the start of bidding contests for large-scale projects that concern new generation telecom networks.

Telecom providers seem ready to accelerate their investments on new generation networks (NGA). However, they ask for state support in order to substantially facilitate licensing procedures, and secure their investments.

In this section we’ll discuss market needs, plans to implement projects, funding tools, strategic partnerships, and of course PPP (Public & Private Partnerships) practices, that now seem to be well on their way.

2nd Session: Digital Transformation: Need for disruption!

Having already made the transition from the age of digital innovation, to one of digital applications evolution, we see an increasing number of businesses integrate these technologies to their daily operations. From the production level to customer service provision, digital technologies are here, always present, to upgrade productivity and competitiveness. This development allowed them to compete on equal terms with larger organizations, relieving them of the need for too high (for their size) initial capital investments.

But what do providers, the State and citizens expect from e-Government, local administration from Smart Cities, and businesses from Digital Transformation? What are today’s development tools and how have they evolved? Which stage is Electronic Governance at? Is the time right for businesses to view digital tools as a means for their own development and a way to maintain their competitiveness? Are citizens the focus of «smart» services? Are there any win-win practices for customers and businesses? In what way can consulting, analysis and Big Data services, become new revenue sources?

It all points that Greece’s position at the Digital Economy & Society Index, does not only reflect upon lacking infrastructures, but also limited integration of digital technologies in businesses. It often proves that administrations follow a more «traditional» approach, with a low degree of trust in digital media, concerning the ratio of investment to return.

Also, it seems that citizens have not acquired a common digital conscience, and while acceptance of social networking is almost total, electronic payments still have a long way to becoming the main transaction venue.

So, daily digital services prove to be «key» to digital conscience and highlighting a new kind of businesses, that are more flexible than competition, and as such are in a better position to create new innovative services, thus ensuring a competitive advantage not only in Greece, but globally.

3rd Session: Leaders’ Summit – Keep calm and invest!

Given that the regulatory framework is basically complete, while the State has expressed its support to Digital Transformation, the way to investments is now open. Telcos are already in position to receive their share of digital projects, while tech suppliers have completed the first implementations, focused around “smart” cities and similar services.

Already steps are being taken, with the adoption of measures able to decrease the cost of developing new generation networks, but it remains a critical point to simplify the licensing process, while the regulatory framework should allow and facilitate the development of mobile and fixed-line networks.

Which are the strategic goals of the Ministry and HTPC for the establishment and monitoring of a suitable regulatory and investment environment, aiming to develop high-speed broadband and close the digital gap, according to the goals of the European Digital Agenda and the National Broadband Plan.

During the final section, ICT market leaders will take a detailed look into the factors that lead developments, what they expect from investments, and the method they will use to achieve maximum return. Partnership schemas, models of mutual benefits, and their effect on real-world economy, will point the way to a virtuous cycle of returns, which can be a paragon to all productive sectors in the country.

Parallel Activities

This year’s plenary session is a puzzle of distinguished speakers, both from the national and global technology markets, as well as Greeks with bright international careers.

Just like every year, there will be a multitude of activities, parallel themed sections about Digital Transformation and Digital TV, as well as specialized labs by successful trainers, offering the best possible user experience to participants.

Finally, in a special expo area, visitors will have the opportunity to discuss will the most well-established ICT companies and keep up to date on new products and services that will help them evolve not only their daily lives, but their business operations as well.