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Cyprus’ Research And Development Spending Among Lowest In EU Despite Decade Of Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 12, 2024

Cyprus remains one of the EU’s lowest spenders on research and development (R&D) as a share of GDP, despite recording gradual growth over the last decade. According to fresh data from Eurostat, Cyprus’s R&D intensity — the proportion of GDP dedicated to R&D — rose from 0.48% in 2013 to 0.68% in 2023.

While this increase signals progress, Cyprus still lags behind most of its European counterparts. Its R&D intensity remains well below the EU average of 2.2%, a figure that has stayed consistent since 2022.

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R&D Expenditure on the Rise

In monetary terms, Cyprus’s R&D spending reached €213.5 million in 2023, up from €207 million in 2022 and significantly higher than the €87.5 million recorded in 2013. The steady growth in expenditure highlights the country’s ongoing, albeit modest, efforts to support research and innovation.

Across the EU, R&D spending saw a 6.7% rise in 2023, reaching €381.4 billion, up from €357.4 billion the previous year. Compared to 2013, EU spending on R&D increased by 57.9%, reflecting the bloc’s broader push toward technological development and innovation.

Cyprus vs. the EU: A Stark Contrast

Although Cyprus has made progress, it still ranks among the EU’s five lowest performers in terms of R&D intensity. Other countries in this group include Romania (0.5%), Malta (0.6%), Bulgaria (0.8%), and Latvia (0.8%). In contrast, Sweden (3.6%) leads the bloc, followed by Belgium and Austria (3.3% each) and Germany and Finland (3.1% each).

From 2013 to 2023, R&D intensity increased in 19 EU countries. The largest gains were seen in Belgium (+1 percentage point), Poland (+0.7 pp), and Greece (+0.7 pp). Cyprus, with its +0.2 percentage point increase, made more modest progress in comparison.

Where Does EU R&D Funding Go?

In 2023, the EU’s R&D expenditure of €381.4 billion was largely driven by the business sector, which accounted for 66% of total spending (€253.1 billion). The higher education sector followed with 21% (€81.7 billion), while the government sector accounted for 11% (€41.0 billion). The non-profit sector had the smallest share at just 1% (€5.5 billion).

Cyprus’s R&D trajectory shows signs of growth, but the country faces a steep climb to catch up with the EU average. Despite a decade of incremental increases, Cyprus remains one of the bloc’s lowest spenders relative to GDP. With R&D playing a crucial role in driving technological advancement and economic competitiveness, the need for accelerated investment in this sector has never been more urgent.

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Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 30, 2025

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

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Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.