The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed economies, societal structures, and national security. In response to this transformative era, the Cypriot Council of Ministers has established the National Artificial Intelligence Taskforce (AI Taskforce) to guide the country’s innovation and AI readiness.
Harnessing AI for National Advancement
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, highlighted the dual mandate of governments to leverage AI’s potential while ensuring robust regulatory frameworks to address privacy concerns and ethical challenges. “AI presents unparalleled opportunities for innovation, growth, and efficiency in public services,” he stated. “Yet, it requires a strategic approach to ensure its implementation aligns with societal and ethical standards.”
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The newly established AI Taskforce will act as an advisory body with the mission to foster AI integration in Cyprus. Its objectives include boosting the economy, enhancing competitiveness, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Strategic Priorities Of The AI Taskforce
The Taskforce will offer the President strategic recommendations and evidence-based proposals through the Deputy Ministry. Its key areas of focus include:
- National AI Strategy Development: Crafting a comprehensive, actionable vision for optimizing AI integration across public and private sectors
- Identifying AI Applications: Pinpointing real-world use cases and sectors where AI can drive economic growth, societal benefits, and national security.
- Enhancing Public Services: Recommending data-driven measures to boost government efficiency and improve citizen and business services.
- Monitoring Global Trends: Keeping abreast of international developments in AI to position Cyprus as a regional hub for technology and innovation.
- Fostering Research and Innovation: Supporting the growth of the local research ecosystem, aligned with the national strategy for innovation and technology.
A Global Team Of AI Experts
The Taskforce will be chaired by the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology, Demetris Skouridis. It will include ten members appointed by the Council of Ministers for a five-year term. These experts, chosen for their specialized knowledge in AI, robotics, quantum computing, and intellectual property, are:
- Nicos Savva, Professor of Management Science and Operations – and – President School of Management Science and Operations, London Business School
- Savvas Chatzichristofis, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation and Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Neapolis.
- Konstantinos Dovrolis, Director of the Computational Science and Technology Center (CaSToRC) Cyprus Institute –and– Professor at the School of Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Sotirios Chatzi, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology.
- Margarita Chli, Professor in Robotic Vision and director of the Vision for Robotics Lab at the University of Cyprus and ETH Zurich.
- Dimitris Angelakis, Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering –and– Director of the Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Research Group, Technical University of Crete
- Giorgos Zacharia, President of KAYAK, Co-Founder and Board Member of Insurify, United States of America
- Nick Kounoupias, Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property Department, Michael Kyprianou Law Firm
- Nikolas Markou, Managing Partner and Head of Artificial Intelligence, Electi Consulting
- Orla Ni Chorcora, Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Equinix
AI Governance Aligned With EU Standards
In addition to the Taskforce, the Council of Ministers has established a national governance framework to implement the European AI Act, ensuring that AI systems in Cyprus remain safe, ethical, and aligned with EU values.
- The Communications Commissioner will serve as the Notifying Authority and Market Surveillance Authority, functioning as the Single Point of Contact for AI regulations..
- The Personal Data Protection Commissioner will ensure compliance within her jurisdiction, maintaining alignment with EU values.
A Vision For The Future
Damianou highlighted the dual mission of the Taskforce: to position Cyprus as a competitive AI-driven economy and to address the societal challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. “This initiative is a cornerstone in our efforts to prepare for the AI era, enabling us to seize opportunities while upholding ethical standards and public trust,” he concluded.
With a robust strategy and the guidance of leading experts, Cyprus is poised to become a regional leader in AI innovation, paving the way for economic growth and a better future for its citizens.
