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Cyprus: A Beacon Of Innovation In Southern Europe

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2024

Cyprus has once again been recognized as a “Strong Innovator” by the European Innovation Scoreboard 2024, marking its third consecutive year with this accolade. The report by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) highlights Cyprus’ significant progress, with a remarkable 39% improvement since 2017, positioning it as the only country in Southern Europe to achieve such a status.

The foundation’s report underscores Cyprus’ leading role in fostering linkages among ecosystem stakeholders, boasting an attractive research system, and demonstrating increased collaboration between public research organizations and the private sector. This progress is attributed to the strategic policies, funding programs, and incentives provided by the Cypriot government, which have collectively strengthened the nation’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem.

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One of the key areas of advancement is the increased number of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the enhancement of public-private partnerships. Cyprus excels in international scientific collaborations and innovation-driven partnerships among companies, which have significantly contributed to its strong performance.

Public and private investments in R&D have also surged, alongside a notable rise in venture capital investments targeting innovative businesses. These financial commitments are pivotal in driving Cyprus’ growth in the innovation sector. Moreover, the focus on environmental sustainability as a core area of improvement highlights the country’s commitment to integrating green practices within its innovation framework.

Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology and Chair of the RIF Board of Directors, praised the collective efforts of all stakeholders within the ecosystem. He acknowledged the high-quality work that has garnered international recognition and reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to further developing Cyprus’ innovation landscape through strategic collaborations.

In conclusion, Cyprus’ status as a “Strong Innovator” not only reflects its substantial progress but also signals a promising future driven by innovation and collaboration. The concerted efforts of the government, private sector, and research community are paving the way for Cyprus to become a leading hub of innovation in Europe, setting a benchmark for other nations in the region.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.