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Cyprus And Japan Forge Path For Collaboration In AI And Robotics

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 16, 2024

In a landmark meeting in Nicosia, the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) laid the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, space research, and biotechnology.

The meeting, attended by prominent figures including Cypriot Chief Scientist Dimitris Skourides and JST President Dr. Kazuhito Hashimoto, highlighted Cyprus’s strategic vision and significant advancements in innovation. These achievements, reflected in Cyprus’s strong performance on the European Innovation Scoreboard, are attributed to strategic policies, robust funding programmes, and supportive government incentives.

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Skourides emphasised that these efforts have substantially enhanced Cyprus’s research infrastructure, spurring a notable increase in innovative activities among small and medium-sized enterprises. He also pointed to Cyprus’s excellence in research publications, particularly those resulting from public-private partnerships, and in promoting collaborations between innovative businesses.

The meeting marked a crucial step in identifying specific areas for joint research and innovation efforts. Dr. Hashimoto expressed keen interest in Cyprus’s initiatives, signalling a promising avenue for future projects that leverage the strengths of both nations.

The discussion underscored a strong commitment from both countries to foster a cooperative environment in research, innovation, and technology. The potential collaboration aims to harness the combined strengths of Cyprus and Japan, particularly in AI and robotics, promising significant advancements and mutual benefits.

The successful Cyprus-Japan Business Forum held earlier this year further exemplifies the growing economic cooperation and opportunities for a more innovative and sustainable future for both nations.

Strengthening Innovation Ties

The collaboration between Cyprus and Japan is poised to significantly bolster the innovation landscapes of both countries. Cyprus, with its growing reputation as a hub for technological advancement, offers a fertile ground for Japan’s sophisticated research and development capabilities. This partnership is expected to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, driving forward innovations that can address global challenges in various high-tech domains.

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Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

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.

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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.