Press Releases

The Chief Scientist for Research Innovation and Technology, Mr Demetris Skourides, and the Director General of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Mr Theodoros Loukaidis, hosted a distinguished delegation from Japan at the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) headquarters, including  H.E. Ambassador Yamawaki and Dr Kazuhito Hashimoto, the President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). The Japanese delegation also included Dr Takehito Higuchi, the Deputy Director of JST's Paris Office, Ms Izumi Terada, the Unit Chief at MEXT, Prof. Takashi Toyota, the Executive Manager at Hiroshima University and Ms Sayaka Inui, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus.

During the meeting, the Chief Scientist presented Cyprus’s strategic vision and the significant strides in innovation evidenced by the performance on the European Innovation Scoreboard.

The Chief Scientist attributed this success to strategic policies, robust funding programs of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), and supportive government incentives. These collective efforts have bolstered Cyprus's research infrastructure, leading to a substantial increase in innovative activities among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Cyprus also excels in research publications, particularly those resulting from collaborations between public research organizations and the private sector, as well as in fostering partnerships among innovative businesses.

Mr Loukaidis then presented some of the Innovation and Co-develop programs that RIF offers, which foster a thriving research and innovation ecosystem. Dr. Hashimoto and his team expressed their strong interest in Cyprus's efforts which have attracted attention from Japan.

The meeting was instrumental in identifying specific areas for collaboration for research and innovation, opening up the potential for unlocking trapped value in new industries.

The recent meeting is a testament to the strong commitment of both nations towards fostering a collaborative environment in research, innovation, and technology. The discussions have paved the way for future joint initiatives that promise to leverage the strengths of both Cyprus and Japan, particularly in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, space research, and biotechnology.

A possible collaboration between Cyprus and Japan is a crucial step in Cyprus's strategic vision to become a hub for research and innovation, and it aligns with the country's efforts to enhance its geostrategic position, digital skills, and energy infrastructure. The successful Cyprus-Japan Business Forum that took place earlier this year also demonstrates the increasing economic partnership and the opportunity for a more innovative, prosperous, and sustainable future for both countries.

(EP/ΝΖ)