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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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.

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.

Interest rates on housing loans up and down on deposits

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cypriot banks raised mortgage rates in August while cutting interest on one-year deposits for households, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Meanwhile, the total value of new loans dropped sharply in August, falling by 33 per cent compared to July.

The latest figures, published on Wednesday reveal that the interest rate for short-term deposits by households fell to 1.79 per cent, from 1.96 per cent in July. In contrast, the deposit rate for businesses (non-financial companies) travelled in the opposite direction up to 2.33 per cent in August from 2.28 per cent in the previous month.

Consumer loan rates also saw a small decline, dropping to 6.59 per cent from 6.67 per cent in the previous month. Mortgage rates rose marginally to 4.65 per cent, from 4.59 per cent.

Rates for businesses, on loans €1 million also fell to 5.36 per cent from 5.61 per cent. For loans

above €1 million the rate fell to 5.42 per cent from 5.64 per cent.

In terms of new loans, there was a marked drop across the board. Total new loans fell to €395.5 million, down from €596.3 million in July.

Consumer loans also fell with net new loans at €19m, compared to July’s €28m (€26.1m net).

Loans for house purchases also declined significantly, falling to €95.6m, of which €72.3m were net new loans, down from €134.3m (€100.7m net) in July.

New loans of under a million euro to businesses decreased to €52.8m (€34.1m net), down from €75.5m in July (€49.5m net).

Similarly, loans of over a million euros were halved to €179.3m (€78.3m net), compared to €345.2m (€211.8m net) in the previous month.

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