Opportunities can be seized and challenges overcome. But today, this requires collective effor and challenges overcome.

Industries like technology and telecommunications need to adopt “creative artificial intelligence.” What does that mean in practical terms?

Creative artificial intelligence, and AI in general, are technologies that are being integrated across various markets, sectors and industries. To give you a few examples, AI transforms applications and processes, redefines value chains, and drives productivity gains. However, coping with these changes means proper adoption of the above and adequate team training. More specifically, industries like technology and telecommunications need to rethink how they deliver consulting services and develop products.
 

How would you rate the digital readiness of Greek businesses? Aside from a few large corporations, it seems that many are struggling to adopt new technologies and fully make use of their benefits.

According to a recent study by the Federation of Greek Enterprises and Industries (SEV), Greek businesses have taken significant steps to ensure their digital readiness in recent years. However, they’re still behind the European average. Large corporations, now powerful multinational players, are leading the way by rapidly adopting and integrating new technologies.

Smaller businesses face challenges, and the reasons for this vary. A key factor is size. Small and very small businesses often have structural limitations that prevent their ability to take advantage of new technologies. Additionally, they lack the necessary data to support the implementation of innovative solutions, such as artificial intelligence. This combination of limited size and a culture that is resistant to collaboration and collective effort creates setbacks that make it difficult to generate value within Greek businesses.
 

How do you see artificial intelligence contributing to the operations of the Greek state and public organizations? Is this attainable, or is there still a long way to go?

Artificial intelligence will be a valuable assistant to humans, handling repetitive, administrative tasks with efficiency. It will also act as an “equalizer,” helping to reduce bureaucracy and ensure accurate information. As a result, the operations of a State that serves its citizens—whether these are patients, students, or taxpayers—will significantly improve their interactions with public institutions. In theory, we’re close, as the technologies already exist. However, integration can be a challenging process, as it requires modifying existing procedures and addressing system constraints, along with navigating the complexities of the implementation process.
 

Do you believe that artificial intelligence diminishes human creativity? Is it simply a matter of how we use it, or does its potential exceed our own capabilities?

Personally, I believe that artificial intelligence is a product of humanity’s boundless creativity and will improve our quality of life in the coming years. Human creativity will continue to evolve regardless and reach new heights.

Currently, we are far from creating AI systems that can match the capabilities of the human brain. The existing technology will primarily serve as an assistant for repetitive, time-consuming tasks that humans are not performing efficiently. These AI assistants will, of course, redefine processes and markets, transforming ecosystems that reimagine the role of humans within them.

As with previous industrial revolutions, we need to prepare for these changes by adapting professions that will be affected and training the workforce to effectively use and benefit from these new tools.

What type of education is necessary for people to effectively work with artificial intelligence? Do you believe that courses should be introduced in school curriculums?

The training required involves both practical skills to effectively use the technology and theoretical knowledge to shift how we operate.

The skills in demand are evolving, with “soft skills” such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication becoming increasingly important. The real challenge will not be acquiring knowledge but rather applying it effectively to solve specific problems.

Additionally, continuous learning is a must. The traditional model of “learn a trade and stick with it until retirement” is no longer applicable. People will need to adapt to a mindset of constant learning, change, and re-skilling.
 

This is your second year attending TechFuse. Why do you support the conference, and what do you see as its key contribution?

Events like TechFuse are central in developing local ecosystems needed for the country to thrive in the new technological era. Large companies, institutions, universities, start-ups, and innovation investors come together under one roof to exchange ideas, creating collective value that’s an advantage for all stakeholders.

In this new era, opportunities can only be seized and challenges overcome through collaborative effort. The conference’s platform fosters cooperation, and it deserves our full support, this year and in the future.