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Cyprus Navigates Innovation Ranking Shifts Amid Revised EU Framework

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2025

Robust Growth Amidst An Evolving Framework

Cyprus has marked significant strides in the European Innovation Scoreboard, achieving a 17.6 per cent improvement since 2018 and ranking as one of the top performers in terms of growth over the past seven years. This progress underscores the island’s strength in cultivating an attractive research ecosystem, sustained by high-level scientific publications and robust public-private collaborations.

Methodological Changes Shape New Ranking

Despite its impressive upward trend, the nation experienced a decline of 14.6 points compared to the previous year, bringing its score to 84.1. The deputy ministry of research attributes this discrepancy to the European Commission’s revised assessment framework for 2024. Previously successful indicators such as employment in high-knowledge sectors and broadband penetration have given way to new metrics emphasizing technology imports from non-EU countries and the environmental efficiency of production. These modifications reflect shifting priorities and pinpoint persistent areas for enhancement.

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Identifying Challenges And Opportunities

Alongside the ranking adjustments, the latest report identifies declines in innovation adoption among SMEs, reduced employment in innovative enterprises, and a drop in networking efficiency between businesses and organizations. These changes, as clarified by the deputy ministry, are partly a result of updated survey methodologies and sampling techniques. Additionally, a downturn in venture capital investment—mirroring global trends—has been noted. However, initiatives such as the state-backed Cyprus Equity Fund and blended finance programmes from the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) are poised to bolster capital access for forward-thinking ventures.

Strategic Adaptation For Enhanced Competitiveness

In a proactive move, Cyprus is reshaping its innovation ecosystem to align with the evolving priorities of the EU framework. Through targeted strategic interventions, the nation remains committed to reinforcing its competitive edge and securing a prominent position on Europe’s innovation map. This adaptive approach not only addresses current deficiencies but also lays the groundwork for sustainable future growth.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.