Cyprus has taken important steps to transform itself into a business and technological innovation center and our vision is to strengthen this position, said the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Demetris Skourides, addressing the opening ceremony of the Reflect Festival 2023, on Wednesday, in Limassol. The two-day Festival is the most important technology and entrepreneurship festival in Cyprus and is considered one of the fastest growing of its kind in the wider Mediterranean region. In his address, Skourides assured that, as the new Chief Scientist of Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus and President of the Research and Innovation Foundation, he provides his "unwavering support" because there is "a common vision." Saying that the role of technology and innovation in accelerating growth cannot be understated, he noted that "both pillars have the potential to develop transformative innovations in response to real world needs, facilitate knowledge spillovers and drive business specialisation, create new and more meaningful jobs, as well as modernise and build synergies with the strongest traditional industries." He also underlined that Cyprus, despite its small size, has witnessed a rapid evolution in research, innovation and digital transformation over the last decade, indicating that the ranking among the "Strong Innovators" for the second consecutive year in the 2023 European Innovation Scoreboard bears testament to the progress achieved and the potential ahead. Among other things, he said a comprehensive strategy is being pursued aiming at enhancing and strengthening our ICT and innovation ecosystem. As he explained, this strategy encompasses a holistic digital transformation focusing on eGovernment, infrastructures and connectivity, emerging technologies and digital skills, various funding tools and schemes to support digital transformation of businesses, commercialization of academic research and entrepreneurial activity, measures to facilitate access to cutting edge research and development infrastructure and facilities, and -of course- conducive institutional and regulatory framework conditions. As Cyprus, he went on to say, we have made great strides to improve the attractiveness of our ecosystem, however "we recognise that there are cross-market synergies and opportunities that can help us grow this even more". In his address, Demetris Skourides stated that, as it is an ''ambition to strengthen our posture as a regional research, technology and innovation hub we are continuously focusing on creating cross-collaboration synergies bringing together our research and innovation ecosystem closer to our tech communities to accelerate and advance progress.'' In our quest to build sustainable growth and support the ecosystem's effort, said the Chief Scientist, the Government is putting forward a series of reforms and investments, in the context of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the long-term strategy of 'Vision 2035'. "In cooperation with all stakeholders, we focus on creating a robust and fit-for-the-future ecosystem, that will become a major contributor to the country's GDP, an ecosystem that will spearhead the effort to create a modern and competitive economy, to the benefit of the environment, society and future generations", he noted, adding that the Research and Innovation Foundation "is a key asset in this journey". The Chief Scientist, among others, sent the message to all who are aspiring to make a change and transform the future, that "we are here to support you on your quest, stand-by your side as you navigate through the ambidextrous complexities that entrepreneurship, startups, research and innovation may present you". "We are here as a partner to help you further advance research, innovation, technology, which stand as a foundation for the future of our country," he concluded. The opening ceremony of the Reflect Festival was also attended by the Mayor of Limassol, Nicos Nicolaides, who said that Limassol has always been a city of progress, change and new ideas, something that continues today, with the municipal authorities prioritising issues of technology and innovation. He also noted that, in this context, the Blue Innovation Centre started its operation, while Limassol participates in the "Cities Mission" to become a climate-neutral and smart city by 2030, with 99 other European cities.

Source: Cyprus News Agency