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Cyprus Recognised As Strong Innovator For Third Consecutive Year

Cyprus has maintained its position as a “Strong Innovator” in the European Innovation Scoreboard for the third consecutive year. Ranked 10th among EU member states, Cyprus achieved 106.3% of the European average, marking the highest growth in innovation performance across Europe since 2017. The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy reported increases in 15 of the 32 assessed indicators this year. Notably, Cyprus excelled in categories like “Linkages” and “Attractive research systems,” showcasing effective collaborations and robust research outputs.

Innovation Ecosystem and Government Policies

Deputy Minister Dr. Nicodemos Damianou highlighted the significant evolution and performance of Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem, attributing success to effective government policies. The country aims to create favourable conditions for scientists and entrepreneurs, ensuring that research and development spending translates into tangible benefits for society and the economy.

Focus on Collaboration and Research Excellence

Cyprus was acknowledged as a top performer in “Linkages,” reflecting strong collaborations between innovative businesses and research institutions. Additionally, the country scored high in “Attractive research systems,” underscoring the quality of its international scientific publications and the presence of prestigious research institutions.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of continuously evaluating and improving the innovation ecosystem. Through a new impact assessment mechanism, the government aims to ensure that Cyprus’ trajectory in innovation remains on a path of substantial improvement, benefitting both the economy and society.

By maintaining its strong position in the European Innovation Scoreboard, Cyprus demonstrates its commitment to fostering a dynamic and innovative environment, driving progress and development across multiple sectors. This achievement reflects the country’s strategic focus on research, innovation, and collaborative growth, positioning it as a key player in the European innovation landscape.

Amazon’s AI Bets and Cost-Cutting Measures Pay Off, Boosting Stock by 5%

Shares of Amazon surged over 5% in after-hours trading on Thursday after the company reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings. Amazon announced earnings per share of $1.43, alongside revenue reaching $158.9 billion, surpassing analyst projections of $1.14 per share and $157.2 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.

Key Financial Highlights

  • North American Sales: Amazon’s North American segment recorded a 9% year-over-year sales increase, totalling $95.5 billion.
  • AWS Growth: Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud unit, posted $27.5 billion in revenue, marking a 19% rise compared to the same period last year.
  • Stock Movement: Although Amazon’s stock initially fell over 3% on Thursday before earnings were released, it rebounded significantly in after-hours trading. So far, Amazon shares are up almost 24% year-to-date.

Background on Amazon’s Strategy

Amazon’s recent efforts include major cost-cutting moves, guided by CEO Andy Jassy, to streamline operations since 2022. This restructuring has led to over 27,000 layoffs and the closure of initiatives such as Amazon’s telehealth and same-day delivery services. Despite these reductions, Amazon is doubling down on other key areas, like a $52 billion investment in nuclear energy to support data centers in Virginia, Mississippi, and Ohio. The company is also moving forward with **Project Kuiper**, aiming to build a satellite network of 3,236 units to broaden internet access worldwide—a venture projected to involve over $10 billion in launch costs across five years, according to analysts from Wedbush Securities.

Amazon’s Market Reach

July’s Prime Day achieved “record-breaking sales,” while the introduction of Amazon’s AI-powered shopping assistant, **Rufus** was rolled out to U.S. customers last month. Notably, Amazon had slightly missed expectations in the previous quarter and cautioned that intense news cycles could distract customers—a factor cited by CFO Brian Olsavsky during the second-quarter earnings call. Despite these challenges, the company’s annual revenue is expected to remain strong.

Noteworthy Figures

Amazon’s market capitalization has reached $1.96 trillion, making it the fifth-largest company globally, trailing behind Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos, who served as Amazon’s CEO until 2021, holds a net worth of $204.1 billion, much of which is tied to Amazon’s stock. Market fluctuations ahead of Amazon’s earnings report momentarily decreased Bezos’ wealth by around $6 billion. Bezos ranks as the second-richest American, after Elon Musk, on the Forbes 400 list.

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