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Cyprus Boosts AI, Cybersecurity And Digital Resilience Through New Partnership

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 24, 2026

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to strengthen artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity and digital resilience as senior officials seek to align policy, regulation and technical expertise better.

Strategic Cooperation Takes Shape

Communications Commissioner Marios Pieris and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides met to discuss a strategic cooperation framework aimed at supporting the secure, responsible and innovative adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector, the economy and society.

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The discussions reflected the growing role of AI in shaping regulation, competitiveness, digital security and public trust, as governments across Europe prepare for wider deployment of the technology.

Preparing For The EU AI Act

A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of the European Union’s AI Act and the possible development of an AI Act Implementation Playbook for Cyprus. Such a framework would help public institutions and businesses translate the regulation into practical implementation.

The officials also discussed holding joint technical meetings and roundtables with ISO/IEC experts to bring internationally recognised standards and global AI governance expertise into Cyprus’ preparations.

Building Future-Ready Digital Defences

The meeting also addressed the broader challenge of strengthening Cyprus’ resilience against emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Beyond regulatory compliance, the discussions focused on ensuring institutions, businesses and citizens can adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.

Pieris described AI and cybersecurity as closely connected pillars of Cyprus’ digital transformation, noting that stronger governance and security will become increasingly important as AI adoption expands.

He added that close cooperation among all relevant stakeholders will be essential to building a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem.

Connecting Research, Government And Industry

Skourides highlighted the importance of closer collaboration among research, government, industry, and the innovation ecosystem, saying that stronger links would help Cyprus unlock AI’s potential while boosting competitiveness, productivity, and sustainable growth.

He also stressed that technological progress should remain aligned with European values, transparency and internationally recognised governance standards.

From Policy Discussion To Practical Action

Following the meeting, Pieris introduced the Office’s AI team to the Chief Scientist, extending discussions beyond policy towards future implementation and cooperation on AI, cybersecurity and digital governance initiatives.

Both sides agreed to continue holding regular working meetings with the shared goal of advancing innovation, strengthening digital resilience and supporting the safe and trustworthy deployment of AI in Cyprus.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Retail’s AI Push Faces A Cybersecurity And Regulatory Reality Check

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 19, 2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a strategic priority for retailers, with 80% of retail leaders planning to increase investment in the technology, according to EY’s latest CEO Outlook Survey. However, growing concerns over cybersecurity, customer privacy and regulation could complicate adoption across an industry already facing inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and changing consumer expectations.

Confidence In AI Comes With Risks

The survey found that 80% of retail leaders are confident in their ability to expand the responsible use of AI and customer data. Retailers are increasingly applying the technology to demand forecasting, inventory management, customer service and personalised marketing, seeking to improve efficiency and respond more quickly to market changes.

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Yet adoption brings new vulnerabilities. EY found that 24% of retail leaders identified cybersecurity and data privacy as a leading business risk for the year ahead. Retailers manage sensitive customer information, payment systems and complex supply chains, making effective security and governance essential as AI becomes more deeply embedded in their operations.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 highlights the wider challenge: 87% of organisations reported rising cyber risks linked to AI vulnerabilities, while 94% expected malicious AI to have a significant impact on cybersecurity in 2026.

Regulation Will Shape AI Adoption

Regulatory frameworks are also influencing how quickly retailers can expand their use of AI. The European Union’s AI Act, China’s state-led governance model and measures introduced by individual US states are shaping the rules around the technology.

For retailers, compliance is becoming a strategic consideration, particularly for customer-facing applications that use personal data to personalise offers, automate interactions or analyse consumer behaviour. Regulatory missteps could carry significant costs in a sector where customer trust is critical.

EY Outlines Four Possible Futures

EY recommends that retailers plan for multiple outcomes rather than assume the current investment boom will continue uninterrupted. Its analysis draws on a four-scenario framework developed by Jim Dator of the University of Hawaii.

One scenario envisages constrained AI adoption as economic pressures, regulation, cyberattacks, legacy systems and poor data quality limit progress. Retailers in this environment may prioritise lower-risk back-office applications, such as finance, procurement, inventory and logistics, while customer-facing tools face resistance.

A second scenario anticipates continued growth, with sustained investment and widespread adoption. A third envisages deeper economic and social transformation as technology reshapes business operations. The fourth considers systemic breakdown, in which a small number of technology platforms control access to AI models and charge premium prices, potentially making advanced capabilities less accessible even to large retailers.

Governance Will Determine Competitive Advantage

EY’s findings suggest that investment alone will not determine which retailers benefit most from AI. Companies will also need robust cybersecurity, effective governance and strategies that can adapt to different economic, technological and regulatory conditions.

For a sector operating on tight margins, the challenge is to turn AI investment into lasting business value while managing the risks that come with greater dependence on the technology.