In an era where the global economy is being reshaped under the weight of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEB) highlights the integration of these technologies as the ultimate opportunity for the structural transformation of Greek entrepreneurship. Despite the progress made in recent years regarding the digital transformation of the state, Greece still faces a significant productivity deficit in the private sector—a gap that AI promises to bridge, or threatens to widen if immediate action is not taken.
Productivity as a National Stake
According to recent analyses by SEB, the adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) could add up to 15 billion euros to the Greek GDP over a decade. However, the bet is not only quantitative but also qualitative. Greek industry, largely composed of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), stands at a crossroads: it will either modernize radically by adopting automation and data analysis tools or be marginalized by international competition already moving at AI speeds.
SEB emphasizes that AI is not merely an "IT tool" but a horizontal reform affecting everything from supply chains and production to marketing and customer service. Companies that have already launched pilot programs report a 20% reduction in operating costs and significant improvements in decision-making through the use of predictive analytics.
The Human Factor and Reskilling
One of the greatest challenges pointed out by the Federation is the lack of specialized personnel. The "digital maturity" of workers in Greece remains below the European average, making reskilling and upskilling programs imperative. SEB proposes closer cooperation between the academic community and the labor market so that university curricula align with the needs of the "Data Economy."
- Creation of internal "AI Academies" within large enterprises.
- Incentives to attract talent from abroad (Brain Gain).
- Strengthening lifelong learning with an emphasis on the ethical use of AI.
While concerns about job displacement are real, SEB's leadership argues that AI will function more as an "augmenter" of human labor rather than a replacement, provided that workers are trained to use these new systems effectively.
Investment and Infrastructure
To achieve this transformation, capital is required. SEB calls on the government to strengthen financial tools, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with specific actions for AI. Access to computing power and the creation of local data centers are crucial for the energy autonomy and data security of Greek companies. Furthermore, compliance with the European Union's AI Act presents a new challenge, as businesses must ensure their systems are transparent, fair, and secure.
"Artificial Intelligence is not a luxury for the few, but a survival necessity for the many," as stated in the Federation's position papers.
In conclusion, the path toward an AI-driven economy requires a new social contract between the state, businesses, and employees. SEB is taking on a guiding role in this journey, knowing that time is of the essence and competitors in the rest of Europe are not waiting.
