Interoperability Community of Practice (GR0101)

Brief Description of the Commitment

The aim of this commitment is to strengthen inclusiveness through partnerships, actions, knowledge sharing, exchange of know-how and good practices between the Public, Private Sector and Civil Society to support interoperability at local, regional and national level through the new dynamic governance model of the new National Interoperability Framework.

Problem Definition 1

1. What problem does the commitment aim to address? The present commitment aims to contribute to the submission of proposals and decision-making for the enhancement of the interoperability ecosystem with the ultimate goal of developing integrated interoperable digital citizen-centric services and ICT projects in general. Improving the level of interoperability maturity will accelerate the digital transformation of the country as it is a key infrastructure for the implementation of the national digital strategy as reflected in the Digital Transformation Bible. Digital Transformation Bible 2020-2025 (digitalstrategy.gov.gr). In addition, it will strengthen our country's effort to meet the obligations arising from the new enhanced European strategy as reflected in the proposal of the Implementing Regulation on interoperability announced on 21 November 2022 EUR-Lex - 52022PC0720 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu). More specifically, it will help to align the country with the need to create communities of practice in the member states, through which the co-creation of proposals for the update of the interoperability strategy at European level will be achieved, but also will ensure the decision-making for large ICT projects with public participation of all stakeholders. It affects all Greek society and all sectors of the economy at national, regional, local level with main target groups such as: • Citizens • IT Companies • Public Administration • ICT Professionals

2. What are the causes of the problem? Elaborate on your understanding of the causes of the problem. As much as possible, identify the root causes. Utilize problem analytical tools (e.g., problem tree, five whys, fishbone diagram, or other related methods) when necessary and provide evidence whenever possible. In recent years, many efforts have been made towards achieving interoperability at technical, semantic, organizational and legal level both on a national and European basis. However, the level of integration of public services in terms of interoperability has not been sufficient according to official studies of the EU, which is also substantiated by objective difficulties arising in the attempt to implement new public services. The lack of a comprehensive approach by all involved parties, access to the necessary knowledge and understanding often creates problems that are expected to be overcome through a community of practice, where the possibility of unified information, training, co-creation, but also participation in the decision-making critical for the achievement of interoperability will be provided.

Commitment Description

1. What has been done so far to solve the problem?

2. What solution are you proposing? The creation of the Interoperability Community of Practice incorporates for the first time the possibility of public participation and co-creation for all parties involved. It will ensure the possibility of wider governance and decision-making in such a crucial field for the country's digital transformation, in line with European imperatives which favour horizontal coordination systems with multi-stakeholder processes. Through this commitment, Greece seeks to prepare in a timely manner to align with the requirements introduced by the new enhanced interoperability strategy and to create a single homogeneous environment for the implementation of effective interoperable citizen-centric public services.

3. What results do we want to achieve by implementing this commitment? Any issues related to the Interoperability Framework will be under consultation with relative stakeholders including the Civil Society through the website http://www.egif.gov.gr. There will also be the possibility for continuous submission of proposals by Civil Society. Finally, there will be events and working groups with representatives of Civil Society.

Commitment Analysis

1. How will the commitment promote transparency? The creation of the new Digital Gateway for the National Interoperability Framework (https://www.e-gif.gov.gr) provides citizens with the opportunity to access knowledge on interoperability issues on a national and European basis in terms of strategy, implementation solutions, training, as well as financial mechanisms. Furthermore, the integration of the forum's operation is a mechanism of transparency, as it enables the posting and consultation of government actions, strategic texts, technical standards, etc.

2. How will the commitment help foster accountability? The planned actions for education and training of public sector executives in relation to the new National Interoperability Framework will contribute to a more effective response of the bodies to the implementation of the requirements of this new Framework. In addition, the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems envisaged incorporate user feedback functionalities, which will enhance transparency.

3. How will the commitment improve citizen participation in defining, implementing, and monitoring solutions? The possibility of co-creation and participation in decision-making in the critical field of interoperability is expected to be a driving force in motivating citizens. Interoperability is an added value whether it is in the everyday life of a citizen through the provision of improved services, or in the effective response of private and public bodies to the achievement of digital transformation.

Commitment Planning (Milestones | Expected Outputs | Expected Completion Date)

Enabling collaborative space as a Community of Good Practice for Interoperability | Establishing an active network of stakeholders in the field of interoperability. Achieving partnerships. Implementation of a dynamic governance model of the National Interoperability Framework, which will ensure its sustainability and the possibility of continuous updating. Supporting digital debates and community meetings by providing remote decision-making methods through digital voting. | In the 3rd quarter of 2023 (3Q)

In the 3rd quarter of 2024 (3Q): Supporting bodies to implement the principles and recommendations of the new National Interoperability Framework for Public Services (Project to be funded by European Mechanism) | Training - education of Public Administration executives with the appropriate skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of the National Interoperability Framework recommendations. Activation of thematic networks of experts and support of projects that will contribute to the definition of methodologies and ways of collaborative content development and evaluation of resources and interoperability projects. Implementation of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the National Interoperability Framework principles and | In the end of 3rd quarter of 2024 (3Q)

In the 1rst and 2nd quarter of 2024 (1Q & 2Q): Guidance and support for bodies to implement the provisions of the New Implementing Regulation (Interoperable Europe Act) on Interoperability | Response of Public Administration bodies and the wider Interoperability Community to the requirements introduced by the articles of the New Implementing Regulation. | In the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024

Action Plan Review

Commitment 19. Community of good practice for the national interoperability framework