National-regional governance of STI

The Cypriot science, technology, and innovation system is organised and overseen by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy. This ministry coordinates national research initiatives and passes digital transformation reforms. The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is responsible for funding R&I through its programmes funded by the government budget and EU instruments such as the ESI Funds and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). There is little separation between national and regional governance of STI policy, as Cyprus is a small country with only one region and a relatively young R&I sector. More recently, there have been efforts for more targeted support at the territorial level, which, however, does not affect the focus of the STI policy.

National and regional S3s: organisation and governance

The Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) in Cyprus is coordinated at the national level by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. With a vision set for 2035, the S3 aims to reshape Cyprus's growth model by diversifying the economy into more complex activities, combining diverse knowledge, and leveraging existing technological capabilities. The priorities of the S3 are organized around technological priority areas (digital technologies and innovative materials), ecosystems (agrifood, renewable energy, maritime, and shipping), emerging ecosystems (space), and enablers (health and environment). The strategy aims to fund research and innovation activities in these priority areas, fostering international collaboration and participation in European Partnerships to strengthen Cyprus's capabilities.

For information on regional S3s, please return to the homepage: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/assets/s3-observatory/index_en.html