Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Toshiko Abe, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening relations between Cyprus and Japan in the fields of science and technology, both at the transnational and the European level, during an official visit Damianou paid to Kyoto.
According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry, the expansion of Cyprus-Japan relations in the fields of science and technology was the focus of Damianos’ official visit to Kyoto.
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In the framework of bilateral contacts with the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to strengthen relations between Cyprus and Japan in the fields of science and technology, both at the transnational and the European level, it is stated.
Specifically, the press relese added, the memorandum promotes, among other things, the joint implementation of research and innovation (R&I) projects on issues of common interest, the mobility of scientists and the exchange of know-how and expertise between the academic and research communities of the two countries.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister, after congratulating the Japanese Minister on her recent appointment, referred to the importance of the Memorandum as a tool for transferring know-how from a mature ecosystem – such as that of Japan – to the emerging – but highly dynamic – ecosystem of Cyprus.
He also touched on the cooperation prospects within the European Framework Programme Horizon Europe, with Japan being already at an advanced stage of consultations with the European Union (EU) for joining the programme as an associate member.
The Deputy Minister, the statement added, also participated in a ministerial roundtable on Transformative science, technology and innovation policy to strengthen innovation ecosystems, which was attended by Ministers and senior officials from various countries around the world, including Japan, Canada, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Germany, Finland, Lithuania and the United Kingdom, with the participation of an EU representative.
As stated, the Summit was held in the context of the 21st Annual Meeting of the STS Forum, which brings together prominent political, business and academic figures to exchange views on strengthening the science and technology sectors and their impact on the global economy and society.
In his intervention, the Deputy Minister referred to Cyprus’ ascending performance in European and international R&D indicators, which puts the country for the third consecutive year in the top 10 strong innovators in Europe and 27th globally in terms of innovation (Global Innovation Index 2024), it is added.
Subsequently, the Deputy Minister stressed the need to create a favourable environment that encourages and facilitates innovation, underlining the importance of access to financial tools and skilled human resources, as well as providing incentives for investment in R&D.
