GovTech in Practice
GovTech in Practice
From Technology to Governance
by Elias Giannitsios, Integrated Special Projects Manager, at SingularLogic
GovTech is reshaping critical public functions with a focus on institutional and social impact through specialized solutions and a strategic approach.
The expectations of citizens and enterprises, the increasing complexity of public organizations, and the growing demands for transparency and efficiency create a landscape in which technology plays a catalytic role. The real challenge, however, is not the mere digitization of existing processes, but the transition to a model of meaningful Digital Governance.
Experience indicates that public sector projects have distinct characteristics that prevent a one-size-fits-all approach. The presence of a complicated institutional framework, multiple stakeholders, critical legacy systems, and the necessity for continuous business operations contribute to this high-complexity environment. The success of a digital project, therefore, depends not only on the selected technology but also on a deep understanding of each public organization's operations and roles.
GovTech, when implemented effectively, is not just a technological trend. It represents a collection of practices and solutions that bring technology closer to institutions, organizations, and ultimately to the citizens. Key components of contemporary digital public administration include interoperable systems, secure data management, citizen-centric design, and support for evidence-based decision-making.
From Technology to Transformation
Meaningful digital governance becomes evident when technology goes beyond a purely supportive role and actively contributes to redesigning critical public functions.
At the Athens Bar Association, the digital transition addressed the need for a unified, reliable, and interoperable support system for nationwide pre-trial procedures, enhancing institutional transparency and collaboration with key state bodies. At the Share Fund of Civil Servants (MTPY), the digital upgrade improved transparency, reliability, and service speed, supporting critical financial and administrative functions and enhancing the daily experience of thousands of beneficiaries. Similarly, at the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (ODAP/HOCRED), technology enables the sustainable management of cultural assets, linking visitor experiences with revenue management and the protection of public resources at a national scale. Furthermore, the implementation of SAP ERP at the Municipality of Athens demonstrated that a deep understanding of the Public Sector and Local Government Authorities can tailor international platforms to deliver transparency, interoperability, and operational continuity in local administration.
A common denominator among digital governance projects is the need for specialized solutions tailored to the Public Sector's actual requirements. Digital services that directly influence citizens' daily lives enhance internal processes, transparency, and service quality—all key indicators of success. General-purpose systems and horizontal approaches often fail to address the unique functional and institutional complexities present within public bodies and local authorities. As a result, platforms like Genesis for local government and Zenius —an integrated ERP and human resources/payroll management system designed specifically for public entities— combine technology with a deep understanding of public sector processes, enabling long-term scalability and seamless interoperability within the public sector's digital ecosystem.
Digital Governance is not just a project that starts and finishes. It is an ongoing process that requires collaboration, trust, and strategic continuity. The role of a specialized technology partner extends beyond implementation - it extends to co-creating sustainable solutions that serve the public interest and generate real value for society.
