The digital metamorphosis of the Greek state is entering a new, critical phase with Uni Systems being awarded the contract for the Next-Generation Interoperability Center (KED). This development is not merely a technical upgrade; it is the foundation of a new culture in public administration, where data ceases to be "imprisoned" in silos and begins to flow securely for the benefit of the citizen.
The project, implemented under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Information Systems and Digital Governance (GSISPA), aims to completely overhaul how public agencies exchange information. Uni Systems, a member of the Quest Group and a pioneer in IT solutions in Greece, is tasked with creating an infrastructure that will support the growing volume of transactions on gov.gr, while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the personal data of millions of users.
The "Once-Only" Principle and the End of Bureaucracy
The central pillar of the Next-Generation KED is the full implementation of the "Once-Only" Principle. According to this, citizens and businesses will not need to submit the same documents or data more than once to different public services. If the state already possesses a piece of information (e.g., marital status or income), it must retrieve it internally through the KED.
The new infrastructure will be based on microservices architecture and will utilize advanced API management tools. This means that connecting new agencies will be faster, more cost-effective, and more flexible. In practice, this translates to the automatic issuance of certificates, faster processing of benefit applications, and complete transparency in administrative acts.
"Interoperability is the 'nervous system' of the digital state. Without it, digital services remain isolated islands in an ocean of bureaucracy," state IT market executives.
Technological Excellence and Cybersecurity
Uni Systems will implement cutting-edge technologies to ensure that the new KED can meet the demands of the next decade. The use of cloud-native technologies will allow the system to scale according to demand, preventing the delays often observed during peak periods (e.g., during tax return filings or applications for social vouchers).
Particular emphasis is placed on cybersecurity. In an era where cyberattacks on state infrastructures are increasing globally, the Next-Generation KED will incorporate advanced encryption and access control systems. Every data exchange will be logged, ensuring that only authorized employees and systems have access to the necessary information, strictly adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Economic Footprint and the Recovery Fund
The project is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), forming part of the broader strategy for the country's digital transformation. This investment is expected to have a significant multiplier effect on the Greek economy. Reducing the administrative burden for businesses and limiting lost man-hours for citizens will lead to increased productivity.
Furthermore, awarding the project to a Greek company with an international presence, such as Uni Systems, strengthens the local technology ecosystem. High-specialization jobs are created, and expertise is produced that can be exported to other countries at a similar stage of digital maturity. The KED is not just an information system; it is the infrastructure upon which the Greece of 2030 will be built—a country more citizen-friendly and more attractive for investment.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Next-Gen KED by Uni Systems marks the end of the era of "digital silos." The challenge now shifts from technology to implementation: the training of public servants and the full integration of new capabilities by all agencies. If this bet is won, Greece will possess one of the most modern interoperability infrastructures in Europe, turning the hassle of physical counters into a distant memory.
