PRESS RELEASE | Key Points Highlighted by the Chair of the BoD of SETPE, Mr Anastassios Manos, during the Prime Minister’s Meeting with Scientific Institutions.
Thessaloniki,
29 August 2025
Mr Anastassios Manos, Chairman of the BoD of the Association of Hellenic Information Technology Enterprises (SETPE), made a well-founded and focused contribution yesterday, Thursday, during the meeting of the Prime Minister, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with representatives of Thessaloniki’s scientific institutions, ahead of the official inauguration of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair.
The meeting, held at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, centred on the country’s new productive model. Within this framework, Mr Manos presented the Prime Minister with a detailed memorandum of SETPE’s positions and proposals, emphasising the strengthening of Greece’s software production ecosystem and the enhanced role of Greek IT enterprises.
As Mr Manos emphasised, “SETPE, with a longstanding presence of over three decades, is today a leading institutional representative of the ICT sector in Greece. It represents dynamic and innovative small and medium-sized software production enterprises, active across the country, which make a decisive contribution to digital transformation, internationalisation, and the development of the nation’s technological ecosystem.”
The memorandum submitted by SETPE to the Prime Minister highlights six key policy and action priorities:
- Financial Instruments
SETPE has long maintained that the Development Law should be revised to recognise human capital—the main investment of software companies—as eligible. The Association also proposes creating investment funds to support the growth of Greek technology companies, facilitating international distribution networks and promoting Greek software as an export product. Additional proposals include establishing a Resource Allocation Fund for the maintenance of public IT projects, to avoid “digital white elephants,” and introducing vouchers for small software enterprises to develop structured marketing, sales, accounting, and HR capabilities.
- Public Procurement
Particular emphasis is placed on establishing a framework for IT projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), so that the investment cost does not fall solely on the Greek State. In addition, SETPE proposes broader use of innovation procurement contracts and the Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) model, where the State commissions companies to develop and test prototypes before commercial release. Finally, the creation of a Government Dashboard for Active Digital Projects is recommended to monitor project progress and enhance transparency in resource allocation.
- Human Resources & Skills
The establishment of a fast-track technology visa (tech visa) to attract skilled professionals from third countries is considered a critical tool to meet market needs. At the same time, SETPE proposes funding reskilling and upskilling programmes to strengthen the existing workforce and safeguard jobs, as well as supporting Mentoring & Training Hubs, in collaboration with multinational companies, to give Greek enterprises access to specialised expertise.
- Universities – Research & Development
SETPE emphasises the need to establish R&D Labs at universities, co-funded by software production companies, to serve as a training ground for the next generation of professionals. The Association also proposes involving students in research and development projects with eligible expenses, as well as redesigning proposal evaluation processes through a permanent registry of evaluators to enhance meritocracy and efficiency.
- Digital Policy & Governance
SETPE proposes establishing a permanent dialogue between the government and technology industry stakeholders to coordinate digital transformation policies, with formal representation of IT enterprises.
- Sectoral Issues
SETPE calls for the development of a legislative framework for the certification of Greek-produced software for public sector entities, aiming to enhance the competitiveness and international reach of its members.
Concluding his intervention, Mr Manos emphasised that “SETPE remains firmly committed to supporting the relevant ministries with concrete proposals and expertise, so that Greek software companies can serve as a cornerstone for the country’s economic reconstruction and digital transition.”
Here is the SETPE Memorandum
