From being a laggard in key indicators of educational innovation, it seems that Greek education is now taking the lead, spearheaded by digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence in the learning process, as shown by the international recognition of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

According to evidence, derived from the OECD’s assessment of Greece (2026 report) in the report “Improving Learning Outcomes in Greece”, there is a clear recognition that there is strong investment and momentum in digital transformation, that a strategic direction is being adopted with an emphasis on digital skills and artificial intelligence. The Agency recognises that a coherent strategy now exists in our country but what is needed is implementation and results. Moreover, the OECD sees AI as a great opportunity while warning of the harmful consequences of its misuse.

According to Andreas Schleicher, the head of the OECD’s Education Directorate and “architect” of the international PISA assessment programme, Greece – along with Estonia, which has long been considered a leader in the digital transformation of education in Europe – is emerging as one of the most dynamic examples of educational adaptation in the modern era, as it is now among the countries that not only follow developments but actively contribute to shaping them. Referring to the clear progress made by our country, he refers to “significant investments in digital infrastructure and educational resources”, while noting that “strong momentum for digital experimentation in schools” has been created. This comparison is not only about infrastructure, but mainly about strategy, as the Greek approach emphasizes holistic integration of technology, i.e., from teaching to administration and school-family communication.

The reforms that are shaping the digital ecosystem of education

The development of an integrated digital ecosystem in education has been based on a series of interventions, which have been implemented in recent years, starting with Kyriakos Pierrakakis’ tenure as Minister of Education and continuing and enriching them under the current Minister, Sofia Zacharaki. Digital platforms of educational materials, hybrid teaching models, school-family communication tools and extensive upgrading of equipment in classrooms have been introduced.

In more detail, the digital school platform has been created, a project, funded to a significant extent by the European Union’s Recovery Fund, seeks to reduce educational inequalities and ensure equal access to knowledge regardless of geographical location.

Regarding the new tools for students, teachers and parents, the Digital Tutorial with organized educational material and video lessons with emphasis on the preparation of candidates for the Panhellenic exams stands out. Hybrid teaching, which allows the participation of students from remote areas. Communication applications, such as e-Parents, which enhance the school-family interface.
There is also extensive investment in infrastructure with tens of thousands of interactive whiteboards already installed in schools, while systems such as myschool are modernising the administrative function of education. Digital transformation is also being extended to special education, with the aim of improving efficiency and access.

Artificial intelligence in education

According to the OECD, the Greek strategy stands out because it is not limited to equipping schools, but extends to developing digital skills, introducing AI knowledge and collaborating with external actors and innovation ecosystems. This direction is in line with the OECD’s general guidelines on the use of AI in education. Unlike other countries that are still at a theoretical stage, Greece is already testing practical applications in classrooms, with a focus on both personalised learning and digital safety of students. In fact, as noted in relevant analyses by the organisation, AI can support “personalised learning on a large scale”, provided that it is used with pedagogical criteria and security guarantees. At the same time, the organisation warns that uncritical use of the technology can lead to performance improvement without meaningful learning, highlighting the need for balance. It also notes that education has now become a “central pillar of the country’s recovery and reform strategy.”

Sleicher’s statements and challenges

Of particular weight are Andreas Schleicher’s statements at international forums on education and artificial intelligence, where he has noted that Greece is among the countries that have “moved faster than average” in the use of digital tools since the pandemic, shows “strong political will” for reform and is developing a “coherent framework for digital education“. At the same time, he has stressed that countries such as Estonia are long-standing models, suggesting that Greece is moving in this direction, although it has not yet reached the same level of maturity.

Despite the positive assessment, the OECD reports maintain a clearly balanced tone. Specifically, it notes that Greece now has a “strong reform framework”, but the challenge lies in the full implementation of policies and, in particular, in improving learning outcomes. Particular emphasis is also placed on inequalities among students, the need to support teachers, and ensuring that technology works as a learning tool rather than an end in itself.