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Trust in Scientists: A Global And Cypriot Perspective On Public Confidence

A recent global study, covering 68 countries including Cyprus and Greece, sheds light on the high levels of public trust in scientists and the widespread desire for their increased involvement in shaping societal and policy decisions. Published in Nature Human Behaviors, the research surveyed 71,922 individuals, offering the most detailed snapshot of global trust in scientists since the COVID-19 pandemic. The average global trust rating was 3.62 out of 5, reflecting a generally positive perception of scientists, though regional differences exist:

Countries With the Highest Trust

Egypt tops the list with a score of 4.30, followed by India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Australia.

Countries With the Lowest Trust

At the bottom, Albania ranked lowest with a score of 3.05, closely followed by Ethiopia, Russia, Bolivia, and Kazakhstan.

Greece And Cyprus

Greece ranks 56th with a trust rating of 3.39, just below the global average, while Cyprus follows closely with a slightly higher score of 3.42, placing 52nd in the global rankings.

The findings suggest that a significant portion of the public views scientists as competent (78%), honest (57%), and concerned about the welfare of society (56%). Furthermore, the study reveals that 75% of respondents agree that scientific methods are the most reliable means of discovering truth. More than half of the participants (52%) also believe that scientists should have a more direct role in policymaking.

Key Areas For Scientific Research Focus

The survey indicates that the public wants scientific efforts to concentrate on:

  • Enhancing public health
  • Addressing energy challenges
  • Alleviating poverty

On the other hand, there is a clear reluctance to prioritize military and defense technology, with many participants feeling that current research in these areas is overemphasized.

While trust in scientists remains strong, only 42% of respondents believe scientists actively consider public opinions. Additionally, 83% of participants called for improved communication between the scientific community and the public, as many feel that scientific priorities don’t always reflect societal needs.

Foreign Firms Contribute €3.5 Billion To Cyprus Economy In 2023

Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus remains an outlier within the European Union, where foreign-controlled companies contribute minimally to the nation’s employment figures and economic output. While these enterprises have a substantial impact in other member states, in Cyprus they account for only 10 percent of all jobs, a figure comparable only to Italy and marginally higher than Greece’s 8 percent.

Employment Impact

The report highlights that foreign-controlled companies in Cyprus employ 32,119 individuals out of a total workforce that, across the EU, reaches 24,145,727. In contrast, countries such as Luxembourg boast a 45 percent job share in foreign-controlled firms, with Slovakia and the Czech Republic following closely at 28 percent.

Economic Output Analysis

In terms of economic contribution, these enterprises generated a total value added of €3.5 billion in Cyprus, a small fraction compared to the overall EU total of €2.39 trillion. Notably, Ireland leads with 71 percent of its value added stemming from foreign-controlled firms, followed by Luxembourg at 61 percent and Slovakia at 50 percent. On the lower end, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany exhibit values below 20 percent.

Domestic Versus Foreign Ownership

The data underscores Cyprus’s heavy reliance on domestically controlled enterprises for both employment and economic output. However, it is important to note that certain businesses might be owned by foreign nationals who have established companies under Cypriot jurisdiction. As a result, these firms are classified as domestically controlled despite having foreign ownership or management components.

Conclusion

This analysis emphasizes the unique role that foreign-controlled enterprises play within the Cypriot economy. While their overall impact is limited compared to some EU counterparts, the presence of these companies continues to contribute significantly to the island’s economic landscape.

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