Antony Cassano - Business Development & Innovation Director at Uni Systems
Q: Mr. Cassano, you are working at the forefront of the technological evolution that’s bound to be a game changer in the coming decades. What does the term “innovation” mean to you, and what are some examples of “innovation”?
A: To me, innovation is about finding new and creative ways to solve problems, improve processes, and create value for customers. It’s not just about introducing new products or technologies, but also about implementing new business models, processes, and ways of working that can lead to significant improvements in performance and competitiveness.
Some examples of innovation include the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, as well as new business models, which can help organizations become more efficient and effective in delivering value to customers.
Q: Can 5G technologies be a game changer for business and industry? Which sectors do you think can benefit most?
A: Absolutely. 5G technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work, with faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect many more devices simultaneously. This could lead to new applications and services that we haven’t even thought of yet, as well as improvements in existing technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.
The sectors that I believe could benefit most from 5G technologies include healthcare, transportation, logistics, and manufacturing.
Q: To what degree have Greek companies adopted digital transformation procedures, and what are the reasons, if any, for the delays?
A: Greek companies have been slower to adopt digital transformation procedures compared to their European counterparts. According to a survey by the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), only 25% of Greek businesses have a digital strategy in place, and less than 10% have invested in digital transformation initiatives. One of the main reasons for this delay is the lack of awareness and understanding of the potential benefits of digital transformation. Also, a problem is the complexity and unpredictability of the regulatory environment and bureaucracy in Greece which make it difficult for companies to plan and invest.
Q: We’re aware that Research & Development in emerging technologies is of vital importance to Uni Systems and that you are actively involved in both European and national R&D&I projects. Could you give us some more information on this and especially on how your business exploits the outcomes of such projects?
A: Uni Systems places high value on research and development in emerging technologies, recognizing that innovation is key to remaining competitive in today’s rapidly changing business environment. We are involved in various European and national R&D&I projects, which allow us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, contribute to the development of new solutions and products, but also allow us to build strategic partnerships with other companies and organizations.
Q: What do you think are the steps businesses need to take towards the new era of digital transformation?
A: The first step for businesses is to understand the importance of digitalization in their respective industries. It should involve embracing the changes in customer behavior, adapting to evolving business models, and utilizing technology to improve operational efficiency. Then, business should determine the digital tools that they need to implement and the technology infrastructure required to support them. A crucial aspect of digital transformation is ensuring that employees have the necessary digital skills to rise to the challenges.
Another step for businesses is to establish clear objectives for digital transformation. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and aligned with the overall business strategy. Last but not least, businesses should identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards their digital transformation goals.