Physical vs. Digital Governance

Introduction

In recent years, the Greek government has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in order to better serve its citizens. Through initiatives like the Athenian Digital Strategy, the Greek government is using digital technologies, data analytics, and AI-supported technologies to optimize service delivery, engage with citizens more effectively and track progress on goals faster. This shift towards digitization has also opened up opportunities for more efficient and productive management of information within the public sector. A deeper exploration of this process must be informed by an understanding of the traditional Greek culture and attitudes towards governance and bureaucracy. Furthermore, attention must also be paid to how digital technologies have enabled processes such as e-permitting for businesses, streamlining supply chains, digitized taxation systems and more -- all of which are evidence of the nation's maturing digital capabilities and testament to their commitment towards modernizing their services in order to improve their citizens' lives.

Theoretical Framework

Digitization of governance is an emerging concept that shows great potential for transforming outdated governmental processes into virtual ones. A theoretical framework can be used to address the complexities of this transition while recognizing the various stakeholders associated with it, such as citizens, government agencies, and businesses. The framework should articulate the desired objectives of transitioning to a digital platform and provide a model for assessing its efficacy. According to Muellerleile and Robertson (2018), social infrastructures that constitute both public and private administration are increasingly entangled with digital code, big data, and algorithms (p. 187). In their theory, digitalized society and governance contains strong traces of the logic and techniques of Max Webers bureau; a foundational concept in his account of the symbiotic relationship between modernity, capitalism, and social order (Muellerleile & Robertson, 2018, p. 187). Studies should therefore focus on how a digitized system of governance can create useful outcomes that are beneficial to all actors, while also considering existing cultural factors and existing technology environments. It is Graebers (2015) argument in Utopia of Rules that an endless love of bureaucratic rules is harmful to society. Invariably, obsessively rules-based systems produced by such love lead to social, political and economic inequities (Larsson, 2021). Graebers (2015) contention is important to keep in mind, for through an examination of existing best practices and research within this domain, it is perhaps possible to develop a more holistic and complete theoretical foundation for designing effective digital solutions in order to produce more efficient and equitable systems of governance.

Since 2011, the digitization of Greek governance has been a tantalizing prospect. This digital transformation creates an unprecedented opportunity to improve public services while managing public resources more efficiently. As such, theories of digital governance must be explored in depth in order to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and pitfalls. David Graebers books Debt: The First 5,000 Years and Revolution in Reverse offer insight into the wider implications of digitizing modern government functions. Other reputable academic sources suggest that a balance between physical and digital governance should be upheld in order to foster a truly sustainable society. While more research is needed to decipher an optimal implementation strategy for Greece, a thorough consideration of Graebers thesis may provide reliable guidance for Greek authorities as they seek to understand how best to incorporate digital governance into their political framework.

This digitization process has created a "stack" structure, which is comprised of the data layer and the policy layer. The data layer contains all of the information needed to support government decisions, while the policy layer establishes the framework necessary for making those decisions. As a result of this transformation, digital governance has increased efficiency and allowed Greece to develop a better structural understanding that could inform decision making not only within the governmental institution, but also among citizens (Spinellis et al., 2022).

Background

Historians have long studied the events of 1821, when Greece officially gained its independence. During this time period, various Greek leaders organized a provisional government in order to establish political and social structure through decrees and constitution-writing. This system of governance was partially modeled after the governments of revolutionary France and America, combining democratic principles with elements of monarchy. Different regions would form their own constitutions based on existing local laws, while at the same time referring to those written by other newly-formed independent states. Through cooperative work between European powers, the Ottoman Empire and Russian forces, Greece was able to create an environment where it could develop its own institutions without fear of foreign interference from hostile countries. As a result, Greece eventually established its own full national government in 1827.

The Greek government is centered in the capital city of Athens. In this location, every ministry is housed in physical buildings which citizens can visit for various administrative tasks related to the federal government. It is a unique situation, as many governments are decentralized and it is increasingly popular for governmental services to be conducted online. However, Greece has held on to the traditional structure of needing most transactions to be done in person at the relevant government office. Furthermore, for many Greeks there remains a sense that only by visiting their local ministry can they truly have their issues attended to with due urgency and attention. This centralized system essentially began to represent an outdated way of running a government in the eyes of some; however, it remained an integral part of Greek culture which served as a reminder of their complex and varied history.

The Formation of Citizen Service Centers

The establishment of Citizen Service Centers (CSCs) in Greece in the early 21st century brought forth a wave of modernization and economic development (Anthopoulos et al., 2010). After much research, it was determined that an extensive physical network of offices throughout the country would provide...

…with a comprehensive source of government services at any time they need it. From taxes to voting, to renewing driver's licenses many of which can be accessed online access has become both faster and simpler than ever before while also preserving physical engagement options as needed. Therefore, hybrid approaches to governance provide Greece with an effective means for providing citizens more efficient access without losing touch with its traditional methods.

However, this hybrid approach should also be considered in the light of the framework indicated at the beginning of this essay: Graeber (2015) gives a warning on this matter precisely. While it may be true that the digitization of the Greek government has increasingly made it possible for citizens to communicate and access governmental services without any physical interaction, there are risks that must be considered. For although this digitalization can bring a swiftness and convenience to bureaucratic tasks, there is also a real danger that citizens could become more disconnected from everyday reality due to their reliance on technology. This disconnect creates a set of problems as citizens may be unable to navigate physical situations, as well as develop important social skills due to the lack of direct contact with government officials or other civic engagements. As such, it is essential that policy-makers create solutions which encourage people to engage online and in person with government resources in order to ensure that no group is deprived of important benefits or experiences because of dependence on technology.

Conclusion

The digitalization of government in Greece has both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, digitization can enable greater security of information and more efficient use of funds as payments become more streamlined with online technology. Additionally, online systems are often more reliable and less susceptible to error than manual processes. On the other hand, there are certain risks associated with digitalizing government services in Greece. Cybersecurity is a major concern, as hackers could potentially access sensitive information or disrupt services if the safety protocols are not sufficiently up-to-date. To facilitate the hybrid model (of physicality and digitalization combined), a theoretical framework for the digitization of governance can be useful; it can provide Greece with an important opportunity to rethink the relationships between different stakeholders and between physicality and digitalization; it can create greater accuracy and transparency, and optimize processes and services in fields such as healthcare and education. Graeber (2015) provides a lens by which risk/reward might be gauged. Such a framework can be used to both examine existing practices as well as identify gaps in planning that can be filled through enabling digital technologies to help address areas affected by public expenditure cuts caused by the economic crisis. Integrating cyber-governance into the overall infrastructure of public administration may offer innovative solutions for improved public engagement during these times of transition within policy development, service delivery, and accountability utilizing…