Dr. Athanasios Staveris - Polykalas

Athanasios Staveris-Polykalas is a recognized professional with extensive experience in high-ranking positions in the fields of digital governance, telecommunications, and cybersecurity, combining technological knowledge with strategic leadership. He has held roles in both the public and private sectors for over two decades, supporting projects of national importance and significantly contributing to the development of ICT infrastructure in Greece. Holding a degree in Physics, a diploma in Nuclear and Subatomic Physics, and an Executive MBA from the University of Plymouth , he possesses the ability to manage complex and large-scale projects, combining academic competence with practical leadership. His publications in physics and computer science demonstrate his interdisciplinary skills and technological expertise.

During his tenure as Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post at the Ministry of Digital Governance of Greece, from November 2020 to July 2023, Mr. Staveris-Polykalas played a decisive role in the country’s digital transformation, implementing the Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2025 and the National Digital Strategy. Emphasizing the enhancement of cybersecurity, he contributed to numerous projects and initiatives and supported important European and national projects promoting technological development.

Key Achievements:

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112 – European Emergency Number:

One of the most important achievements of his tenure was the reactivation and upgrade of 112, the European Emergency Number. This project played a crucial role in managing crises such as wildfires and floods.

Thanks to his leadership skills, he ensured the successful implementation of the project, earning recognition as “Mr. 112.” The system allows not only direct communication with emergency services but also mass alert dissemination in dangerous situations, helping to protect the population.

Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFBB):

Under his leadership, one of the largest telecommunications projects in Greece was implemented, with a budget of €700 million. This project, financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aimed to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure (up to 1 Gbps) to at least 750,000 households and businesses across Greece.

Mr. Staveris-Polykalas successfully managed the contracts, negotiations with providers, and infrastructure deployment, prioritizing technological development and connecting remote areas of the country with high-quality broadband services.

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Cybersecurity:

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In the field of cybersecurity, he led the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2020–2025, which includes five strategic objectives, fifteen specific targets, and fifty-eight activities.

This strategy, aimed at strengthening public sector security systems, led to the expansion of the General Directorate of Cybersecurity with 45 staff members and ensured Greece’s active participation in significant European research programs such as Concordia and Phoenix. Mr. Staveris-Polykalas promoted the adoption of central protection systems for public infrastructure against DDoS attacks.

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New Technologies:

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In the domain of emerging technologies, he led the development of roadmaps for the integration of technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Federated Machine Learning in the public sector.

The advancement of these technologies was part of the digital governance strategy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Moreover, he spearheaded European initiatives such as the Digital Services Act and the Digital Governance Act, positioning Greece as a digital hub and leader in the implementation of digital services policies.

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Satellites and Microsatellites:

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Mr. Staveris-Polykalas played a crucial role in the development of microsatellites and space infrastructure. The Telecom Sat Greek Connectivity Programme, with a budget of €130 million, was designed to develop telecommunications satellites that would provide 24-hour government communications coverage across Europe and Greece.

He also spearheaded the CubeSats In-Orbit Validation / Demonstration Project, which enabled Greek small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutions to participate in innovative space projects, advancing the country’s skills and technological superiority in the space sector.

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In 2025, his first book was published by "Leirion Publications" on the subject of "Cyber Security - Securing The Final Frontier". 

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In summary, Dr. Athanasios Staveris-Polykalas left behind an exceptional legacy in all the fields in which he was active, contributing decisively to the development of Greece’s digital and telecommunications infrastructure. His strategic competence and technical expertise, combined with his leadership foresight, established him as one of the most successful figures in modern digital governance in Greece.