Breaking news

Cyprus: A Beacon Of Innovation In Southern Europe

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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.

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.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

Uol
eCredo
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter