Digital Decade Report 2026: Where Greek SMEs Lag and How to Bridge the Digital Divide

The European Commission has published its annual Digital Decade Country Report 2026, outlining both the progress and structural challenges in Greece’s digital transformation.

Key Findings for Greece

Despite a national plan comprising 125 measures funded by €6.1 billion in public funds and €7 billion in estimated private investments, critical lags persist:

1. Low AI Adoption in SMEs: Integration of AI tools in small and medium-sized enterprises remains below the EU average.
2. ICT Talent Shortage: A deficit in specialized IT professionals and slower fiber-optic network rollout hamper overall competitiveness.

Actionable Steps for SMEs

Digital transformation does not require massive budgets, but structured planning and staff upskilling.

• Leverage Cloud AI Tools: Implement accessible AI solutions for customer support, marketing, and data analytics without high upfront investments.
• Upskill Existing Teams: Train current employees in core digital competencies rather than relying solely on scarce external talent acquisition.
• Utilize Funding Frameworks: Tap into active national and European digital transformation funding programs.