Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case April, 2006

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Current state of affairs: evidence of progress. Progress stems from 2 pillars: promotion of e-government & measures of institutional intervention. i.e. electronic transactions with tax authorities, development of broadband communication infrastructures (syzefxis programme), citizen service officers (KEPS). However: still caracterised by dysfunctions & problems. Weakness of the PA to effectively manage e-government systems and make use of ICT potential for improving public services.

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Inbuilt weaknesses: Complexity of the regulatory framework Scattering of responsibilities among numerous services/levels of administration Large number of procedures with a negative cost benefit balance . Time delays in the completion of procedures & decision making process PA personnel caracterised by internal shortcomings.

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Result: Basic government functions lack clear & effective institutional basis Lack of efficiency and performance of public administration services. Negative effect on quality of services provided & government – citizen relations. Lack of transparency in public actions.

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Development needs Reinforce capacity at the level of policy formulation & planning but also at operational level. Focus on areas of public action of strategic importance Secure through horizontal measures the improvement of skills of PA personnel. Support aim of e- government Development of adequate infrastructure (institutions, know-how)

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Strategic aim: 2 key priorities Strengthening the capacity of structures with an emphasis at the level of central PA. Strengthening the capacity for implementing public policies & plans and effective production of public goods and services.

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case (OP) 6 Sectors, areas of intervention: Development of simple and flexible structures of public action Strengthening of competencies and know-how Drastic simplification of statutory framework Rationalization of public resources management. Strengthening the capacity of public bodies to adapt to new evolving environment (ICT) Introduction of evaluation of public policy and programme implementation.

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Draft on Strengthening Public Administration Capacity as a distinct priority in the NSRF. Development of Strategy towards OP preparation (started March 2006): Consultation/interviews with all Secretary General in the Ministries/13 regions Consultation with social partners

Strengthening the institutional capacity: the Greek case Set up of central structures for Implementation and support of the OP: MA (under the responsibility of Ministry of the Interior) Observatory for administrative capacity Public administration internal information network (help desks) Horizontal Interventions: Upgrading of critical departments (ICT, Education, Finance) through auditing, outsourcing technical support, on the job training) Global Policy for strengthening/development of Human resources (training, valorization and work conditions’ improvement) Codification of Law (baseline project connected with business process re engineering ) Structural Reform: Business process re-engineering: public procurement, procedure of establishment of business, cut administrative burdens and costs. Social security (time consuming & time used products)