Artificial intelligence training has already started for 500 public sector workers, with the aim of familiarising them with it and enhancing their knowledge. This training initiative, entitled “Al for All”, is being carried out by the Greek Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with Google and the National Center for Public Administration and Self-Government (NACA), while from September the program will be extended to all public sector departments.

The first training program includes three workshops by qualified and experienced Google trainers. Two of these will be targeted at civil servants as a whole and unfold through the topics “Boost Your Productivity with Artificial Intelligence (AI)” and “Problem Solving Methods”. The third workshop on “Leadership for the Digital Age” is for executives in positions of responsibility in the public sector.

Google’s collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, which is part of a broader initiative regarding AI Skilling Initiative in Greece announced at the 9th Delphi Economic Forum, aims to accelerate the digital transition through AI, as well as to ensure equal opportunities accessible to all. This training program will be available through the Grow with Google platform. This program was prompted by an economic report conducted by Implement Consulting Group on behalf of the company, which documented that the extensive adoption of Generative AI has the potential to increase Greece’s annual GDP by 10-12 billion euros per year. This is a contribution that will be reflected in about ten years from now, when this technology is expected to be fully integrated into the production process and economy.

The Deputy Minister of Interior, Vivi Charalabogianni, said that “enhancing productivity in the public sector, by exploiting the potential offered by AI, is a priority of the Ministry of Interior for the development of the Greek economy. We are proud that technological giants such as Google are on our side, with the support of which we are strengthening the digital skills of employees, decisively reducing bureaucracy and thus turning the human resources of the Public Sector to more productive activities, those that all citizens need. I would like to thank all the participants of the workshop.”

“It is a fact that AI is playing an increasingly important role, changing the way services operate and offering a plethora of benefits for all. AI enables developers, businesses, and other organizations to create their own innovative products and solve complex challenges. Only by working together can we develop AI responsibly. In a country like Greece, where the public sector plays a key role in growth and prosperity, we are extremely happy to be able to take this step,” said Google’s Head of Marketing for Greece and Southeast Europe, Maria Founda.