Aiming to have access to up-to-date information regarding developments in the field of innovative technologies, in conjunction with the fundamental objective of the business for enhanced efficiency and productivity, the Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry was present at the highly reputable Mobile World Congress (MWC) organized by GSMA in Barcelona. This is seen as the world’s largest congress of its kind, focusing on mobile telephony and the various tools associated with it, including the internet, digital technology, mobile applications, etc. Τhe congress attracted more than 108,000 visitors from 208 countries. It featured some 2300 exhibitors and enjoyed coverage by 3500 international journalists.
The Limassol Chamber was represented by Senior Officer Nikolas Iordanou, who is in charge of the organization’s issues pertaining to Research, Innovation and European Programmes. Chamber’s interest concentrated in five areas, as follows:
1. Enhanced business efficiency resulting from the optimum use of the facilities provided by mobile telephony – Business Opportunities for LCCI members: Participation in Congress presentations on facilities and innovative services available to the business community through the use of mobile phones. Contacts with foreign markets with a view t9o promoting cooperation with Limassol companies.
2. 4th Industrial Revolution – Development of 5G – Digital Economy – Global Connectivity – Virtual Reality: Briefing on new developments in the industrial sector and the social challenges arising from the so-called 4th Industrial Revolution, the one based on the rapid development of technology. The now imminent introduction of 5G, the rapid development of digital economy and the new technologies in the fields of mobile telephony and networks.
3. European Programmes: Networking with other organizations aiming to investigate opportunities for participation in HORIZON 2020-related proposals. Presentation of ongoing programmes with Limassol Chamber participation, such as S.E.E.W.B.A.N (South Eastern Europe Women Business Angels Network), E.A.P.P.R.E.N (Capacity Building for Intermediary Organizations through e–learning) and AppHelp4SMEs (Apprenticeship Helpdesk for Small and Medium Enterprises).
4. Smart Cities: Discussion of smart technologies, practical digital solutions, mobile applications, e-platforms, transfer of know-how from cities that are already in possession of the infrastructures representative of a smart city. Sending out feelers on cooperation with businesses and organizations towards the adoption and implementation Smart Cities-related technologies in the fields of blue and green growth, transport and mobility, sustainable urban development, energy saving and tourism.
5. Pentakomo Science and Technology Part - Attracting High-Tech Companies to Cyprus: Presentation to potential investors, including of the incentives offered by the Republic of Cyprus.
Mr. Iordanou held a series of meetings with representatives of companies, universities, techno parks and research centres, in addition to public sector officials from Catalonia and Spain in general who specialize in the fields of research and innovation.
