Deployment of Telework in European Public Administrations

Case No. 7: Greece - The Technological Educational Institute 
of Piraeus
Policy environment
In general, the concept of teleworking has not been given any real consideration in Greece. Firm
statistical information on telework is not available. Telework can be described as a rather
informal, unofficial work style, mostly practised by the self-employed. The development of an
advanced telecommunication infrastructure is modest. Greek Telecom does not yet offer ISDN
services. The Greek telecom operator OTE has monopoly rights to provide fixed public telephone
services in the country. This monopoly may continue until 2003 under EU liberalisation plans,
although the situation may be reviewed prior to that date. A recent estimate suggests that about
40,000 to 50,000 people are Internet users. About 2% of the population use mobile phones.
However, a number of measures regarding the integration of disabled people through teleworking
or tele-education are in a state of preparation. These are supported by initiatives like TWIN, which
seeks to establish international networking between tele-centres for the disabled, TELED an
initiative providing higher education for the disabled via telematics, TELEWORKING a project
employing disabled people who offer telematics advice to SMEs, and TELEGREAT a distance
training and job placement initiative by a regional centre of the rehabilitation of disabled people.
Very slowly moving towards the horizon of an Information Society Greece is concentrating on the
introduction of telecommunication technology in the private sector. One current proposal views
to create a Teleworking National Focal Point as a source of expert advice, information and
networking in Greece. A Telework newsletter as well as the creation of a Greek Telework
Association is planned.
The case
Under the given circumstances only a case where the introduction of a telework scheme is
intended can be presented. The Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus is planning a trial
for the year 2000, with the detailed planning phase in 1999. The introduction of telework aims for
the stimulation of distance learning and will be managed by the automation department. The main