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Chief Scientist’s Roadmap To Make Cyprus A Regional Research And Innovation Hub by 2035

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 24, 2024

In a bold vision for Cyprus, Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides presented a comprehensive roadmap to establish Cyprus as a regional hub for research, innovation, and technology by 2035. The strategy, developed through extensive consultation with over 650 stakeholders, aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve the overall research and innovation ecosystem.

Key initiatives include the introduction of a new grants management system by 2025 to reduce administrative burdens and promote scientific work and commercialization. The roadmap also emphasises the importance of public-private partnerships, with recent programs increasing collaboration between research organisations and industry.

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Cyprus has maintained its 10th position in the European Innovation Scoreboard for three consecutive years, reflecting the country’s growing innovation capacity. This is supported by significant funding increases, with €177.25 million allocated for competitive funding between 2021-2027, a 34% rise from the previous period.

Public universities and research institutes have been pivotal in securing prestigious European Research Council grants, showcasing Cyprus’ research excellence. Notably, improvements in the operations of the Research and Innovation Foundation have significantly reduced the average time to pay and contract processing times.

Furthermore, the strategy includes targeted funding for research excellence, collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure. Specific focus areas include ICT, green transition, energy, shipping, agrifood, health, advanced materials, and environment.

Skourides also highlighted the importance of international collaborations, citing recent engagements with Japanese and international organisations to foster global partnerships. The roadmap sets a clear path for Cyprus to enhance its research and innovation landscape, positioning the country as a leader in the region by 2035.

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone Draws $8.1B In Investments Through 255 Projects

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 4, 2025

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has secured an impressive $8.1 billion in investments across 255 projects in the last 30 months, according to an official announcement on Monday.

Major Investment Boost For SCZone

The General Authority for the SCZone has successfully attracted 251 projects in its industrial zones and ports, accumulating $6.2 billion in capital investments, which has resulted in around 28,000 new jobs, as stated by SCZone Chairman Walid Gamal El-Din.

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Additionally, four new projects have brought in $1.8 billion in investments, boosting the total capital inflows within the zone. These developments were discussed in a meeting with Mohamed Zaki El Sewedy, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), and other officials from various chambers of commerce.

Strengthening Industrial Ties And Opportunities

The meeting focused on expanding investment prospects, fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges faced by industrial firms with strong export potential. A key objective was to encourage businesses to scale up their operations within the SCZone, leveraging its prime location, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.

El-Din stressed the importance of the SCZone in driving Egypt’s economic growth and industrial transformation, citing the Ain Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone as a flagship example of development. This zone is a testament to Egypt’s growing presence as a competitive global manufacturing hub.

The continued partnership between the SCZone and the private sector, El-Din noted, plays a pivotal role in building a strong ‘Made in Egypt’ brand, supporting local industrial development, and boosting innovation to improve Egypt’s position in global markets.

Acknowledging Achievements And Future Collaboration

El Sewedy praised the SCZone for its efforts in creating a robust investment climate, offering comprehensive services, incentives, and cutting-edge infrastructure. This meeting marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the SCZone and FEI, setting the stage for future joint initiatives.

Egypt’s Economic Outlook

Egypt’s economy is projected to grow by 4% in the year leading up to June, bolstered by supportive measures from the IMF, according to a Reuters poll conducted in January 2025. The poll also forecasts a GDP growth acceleration to 4.7% in 2025-26 and 5% in 2026-27.

However, the country’s GDP growth slowed to 2.4% in 2023-24, down from 3.8% in the previous year, primarily due to the ongoing currency crisis and the geopolitical impact of the war in neighboring Gaza, according to the Central Bank of Egypt.