Trade with Greece
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Innovation policies
As far as innovation policies are concerned,
Greece does not seem to lag behind other coun-
tries. Strange as this may seem, in certain areas
it is actually implementing good European prac-
tices, through agencies such as the Information
Society. Even in this case, though, the end results
are not sufficient, despite the wide scope of the
policies. National resources are spread among
many programmes, which cover the entire spec-
trum of business modernisation. Although general
entrepreneurship is enhanced, there is no focus on
innovative entrepreneurship.
Therefore, it is clear that, as pointed out by the
Athens University of Economics and Business, the
Greek model that emerges in practice, can be
strengthened by targeted policies that generate
profits. There is also an urgent need to promote
international partnerships and networking, in order
to identify tested ideas, technologies and the
mechanisms for their absorption, along with pro-
grammes and agencies focused on this field, as
well as on supporting innovative entrepreneurship.
It has to be stressed, though, that, in the past few
decades, technological progress brought about
sea changes in many sectors.
The need for lifelong learning, which 20 years ago
was not even part of our vocabulary, is dramati-
cally altering the very essence of education. New
technologies are now at the epicentre of develop-
ments. Thanks to innovation, information is now
easily, swiftly and cheaply accessible. In the near
future, we will be being taught Information
Technology the way we were once being taught
how to read and write. Many executives all over
the world are warning that, in a few years, those
who do not know how to code will be considered
to be “illiterate”, since coding will be at the core of
all labour market skills.
Today, more than 90% of job positions require
high-level digital skills, while the relevant demand
is increasing by 3% per year.
Why should anyone learn to programme?
1.
To have easier access to the labour market.
Knowledge of programming offers a competi-
tive advantage against other job seekers.
2.
Elementary knowledge of code and program-
ming will be a main prerequisite for working in
fields like Banking, Medicine or Journalism.
3.
Because it develops skills like critical thinking, logic,
creativity and problem-solving. Programming
teaches us how to think!
4.
Because it helps us make our life and work
easier. It helps us understand everyday life,
since everything is based on coding (e.g. the
