Greece: regions should use open technologies

According to Ellak, a Greek open source advocacy organisation founded by 25 universities and research centres, Greek regional administrations should consider using open technologies, including free software and open data, when drafting their next regional management plans, EU open source public sector website Joinup reports. Last week Ellak sent a letter explaining the advantages of these technologies to the authorities of all thirteen Greek regions.

“Open data and open technologies offer chances to new forms of collaboration. They enable citizens and organisations to participate in regional projects. They make possible new business, both locally and internationally.” Ellak says that by adapting a more cooperative model, public administrations create the conditions that increase the skills of local workforce, offer opportunities to youth and strengthen social cohesion.

Greece’s regions are drafting plans for the next six years and Ellak wants to make sure their plans include free software and open data. The organisation hopes to create a resource centre for these open technologies.

In its letter Ellak recommends that regional authorities contact and support local open source groups and internet activists who can assist public sector organisations in understanding these alternatives and even result in the introduction or development of open technologies.