ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the diffusion of Geographic information systems (GIS) in local government in Greece from a quantitative perspective, as the diffusion process has only started recently in this country but from the point of view of the role of informal networks of key individuals fostering the diffusion process. It describes the institutional context of local government in Greece and discuss the role of external factors such as EU funding and emerging social and communication networks in Greece or abroad. The chapter provides an overview of GIS diffusion in Greek municipalities with two case studies in the municipal authorities of Volos and Kos. It evaluates the current situation in terms of factors and processes which are likely to stimulate or inhibit the further diffusion of GIS in Greek local authorities, while the final section draws the main conclusions and highlights further research areas in terms of GIS diffusion in Greece.
