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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.

The Decline Of Smartwatches: A Turning Point In The Wearable Tech Industry

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 13, 2025

For the first time in history, the smartwatch market is facing a significant downturn. Shipments are expected to drop by 7% in 2024, marking a major shift in a segment that has been growing steadily for over a decade. A report by Counterpoint reveals that while Apple still holds the top spot, its dominance is being challenged by a surge from Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and BBK. Even as the overall market struggles, some companies are thriving.

The Big Picture: Why Smartwatches Are Slowing Down

Apple’s flagship products have long been the driving force in the smartwatch market, but even the tech giant is feeling the pressure. The company’s shipments are projected to fall by 19% this year, though it will remain the market leader. Meanwhile, brands from China are capitalizing on the shift, with Huawei showing an impressive 35% growth in sales, driven by the booming domestic market and a broad range of offerings, including smartwatches for kids.

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Xiaomi, too, is experiencing remarkable success, with a staggering 135% increase in sales. In contrast, Samsung is seeing more modest growth, up 3%, thanks to its latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra series.

While some companies are succeeding, the broader market is facing headwinds. The biggest factor behind the overall decline is the slowdown in India, where consumer demand for smartwatches has stagnated. The segment is suffering from a lack of innovation and fresh updates, leaving many consumers with little incentive to upgrade their devices. Add to that market saturation, and it’s clear why many users are content with their current models. The Chinese market, however, is bucking the trend, showing 6% growth in 2024.

A Glimpse Into The Future

Looking ahead, the smartwatch market may begin to recover in 2025, driven by the increasing integration of AI and advanced health monitoring tools. As these technologies evolve, the industry could see a resurgence in demand.

Huawei’s Remarkable Comeback

Huawei’s impressive performance in the smartwatch space signals a broader recovery for the company, which has been hit hard by US sanctions. Once the world’s largest smartphone maker, Huawei’s business was decimated when it lost access to advanced chips and Google’s Android operating system in 2019. But in China, Huawei has maintained its dominance, with its market share growing to 17% in 2024.

This resurgence was partly driven by the launch of the Mate 60 Pro, a smartphone featuring a 7-nanometer chip developed in China. Despite US sanctions, the device surprised many with its capabilities, a testament to China’s rising investment in domestic semiconductor production.

In February, Huawei also unveiled its Mate XT foldable smartphone, the world’s first device to fold in three directions. Running on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, the phone further demonstrates the company’s resilience and ability to innovate despite international challenges.

Huawei’s smartwatch offerings are also catching attention, particularly the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, which launched in September of last year. With a premium titanium alloy design, a high-resolution AMOLED display, and impressive health tracking features, the GT 5 Pro has become a standout in the market, available to both Android and iOS users.

A Brief History Of The Smartwatch Revolution

The smartwatch market has had its fair share of milestones, but the real breakthrough came in 2012 with the Pebble, a Kickstarter-funded project that raised over $10 million. Pebble introduced the world to smartphone integration, app downloads, and long battery life, becoming the first truly mass-market smartwatch.

In 2013, Samsung entered the game with the Galaxy Gear, marking its first attempt at wearable tech. But it was Apple’s entry in 2014 that truly set the industry on fire. The Apple Watch’s sleek design, integration with iOS, and emphasis on health and fitness catapulted it to the top of the market, establishing a standard that many other brands would try to follow.

By 2021, the smartwatch industry had grown to over $30 billion in revenue, with annual growth reaching 20%. Yet now, it finds itself at a crossroads, with innovation stagnating and market saturation taking a toll.