(Commonwealth Cyprus)_This week, Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides embarked on a significant diplomatic and promotional tour to advance Cyprus’ positioning as an emerging leader in technology and innovation. His visit included a high-profile event in India organized by Invest Cyprus and participation in the prestigious “Chief Science Advisors Roundtable 2024” (CSAR 2024) in Paris. On September 5, this year, Skourides attended a major event in India aimed at showcasing Cyprus’ burgeoning research, technology, and innovation landscape. The event, orchestrated by Invest Cyprus, was designed to foster bilateral investment and collaboration between Cyprus and European entities, with a particular focus on Indian investors.
Joining Skourides was a distinguished Cypriot delegation including Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, and the High Commissioner of Cyprus to India, Evagoras Vryonides. The event also saw participation from prominent figures such as Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus; Chrysilios Pelekanos of PwC; and Panayiotis Chrystostomou of Eurobank, alongside numerous Indian entrepreneurs and prospective investors.
Skourides utilized this platform to underscore Cyprus’ strategic efforts to establish itself as a hub for global research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing Cyprus’ scientific excellence, he highlighted the country’s robust research capabilities and its remarkable performance on both national and European stages. Key performance indicators were presented to demonstrate Cyprus’ advancement, with a special focus on the Centers of Excellence established with European Commission co-funding. These centers are integral to advancing Cyprus’ innovative ecosystem, offering world-class services and opportunities for international collaboration.
During his presentation to over 30 stakeholders, Skourides elaborated on the mutual benefits of Cyprus-India cooperation, detailing the tax incentives and funding programs available through the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). He also spotlighted the strategic advantages of accessing the single European market through Cyprus and identified opportunities for collaboration in sectors prioritized by Cyprus’ Smart Specialization Strategy and the Research and Innovation Strategy 2024. These sectors include Fintech, Reg-tech, Health-tech, Agrofood, and ICT. Following his engagements in India, Skourides traveled to Paris to participate in the “Chief Science Advisors Roundtable 2024” (CSAR 2024), hosted by UNESCO and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The roundtable focused on fostering open science, bridging knowledge asymmetry, and building global science advisory capacity.
Simultaneously, Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General of the RIF, attended the CII India-Mediterranean Business Conclave in New Delhi. Organized by India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), this one-day event gathered representatives from 28 countries. The Cypriot delegation, led by Nicodemus Damianou, engaged with notable Indian public figures such as Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of Foreign Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Loukaidis participated in a panel discussion on “Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy: Connecting Shores and Harnessing Coastal Potential,” where he highlighted Cyprus’ expertise in maritime research and innovation. This area is a focal point of Cyprus’ National Research and Innovation Strategy 2024.
In his presentation, Loukaidis showcased successful Research and Innovation projects undertaken by Cypriot research institutions and companies, both within the framework of the RIF and European Commission funding programs. He also discussed opportunities for international cooperation in digitalization and green maritime transitions, reinforcing Cyprus’ capability to lead in these areas. Loukaidis further engaged in a roundtable with potential investors and entrepreneurs, emphasizing Cyprus’ strengths in artificial intelligence and technology. His presentations underscored Cyprus’ strategic position as an international partner in innovative sectors, solidifying its role as a global innovation hub.
Through these high-profile engagements, Cyprus is effectively positioning itself as a prime destination for international investment and collaboration in research and technology. The continued efforts by Skourides and Loukaidis to highlight Cyprus’ advancements and opportunities are set to bolster the nation’s reputation and attract global attention in the fields of innovation and scientific research.
