Round table discussion with the participation of renowned speakers and representatives of the research and business community of Cyprus. The ways in which research, innovation and technology can lead to the sustainable development of the Cypriot economy were highlighted by a round table discussion organized by the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Dimitris Skouridis.

The discussion took place on Thursday, October 26, 2023 and was attended by bodies from research and academic organizations, the Centers of Excellence and representatives of the business community of Cyprus. The central topic of the discussion was the ways in which research, innovation and technology can contribute substantially to the sustainable development and further strengthening of the economy of Cyprus. In this context, the latest developments in the sector and the prospects for the development of the ecosystem were discussed, while the need to intensify collaborations and commercialize the innovative products and services produced in the country was emphasized.

Their own opinions based on their rich experience were presented during the discussion by renowned speakers, namely Ms. Orfhlaith (Orla) Ni Chorcora, VP Channel EMEA and Equinix EMEA, Mr. Patrick Van der Pijl, CEO Business Models Inc., Faculty Member Exponential Business Models at Singularity University and producer of Business Model Generation, Ms. Nava Swersky Sofer, Board Director & Chair, Keynote Speaker, Lecturer, Innovation & Commercialization Expert, Mr. Nick Kounoupias , CEO & Founder, KP Kounoupias IP and Ms. Katarzyna Walczyk-Matuszyk, Vice President, Polish Chamber of Commerce for High Technology.

At the same time, during the event, the participants had the opportunity to express their opinions and to be informed by the Chief Scientist and the General Director of RIF Mr. Theodoros Loukaidis about the developments of research, innovation and technology, as well as the opportunities offered through the funding programs and free support services of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). The discussion was moderated by Mr. Nikos Maroulis, Deputy Director of Technopolis Group Belgium.

In his statement, the Chief Scientist and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute, Mr. Dimitris Skouridis, thanked the participants for the productive and highly interesting discussion. "I am happy that we had the opportunity to hold this discussion with the ecosystem actors, so that together we can find ways to overcome the difficulties, creating sustainable development opportunities for Cyprus. As derived from the discussion, research and innovation need to go hand in hand in order to have a real impact for the country, while synergies between ecosystem actors need to be intensified. Equally important is the acceleration of the development of research and the capabilities of IT technologies that support the agenda of the Digital Cyprus 2035 strategy", he noted. "Ultimate goal", underlined Mr. Skouridis, "is to transform Cyprus into a technological and innovative power of the region". The event aimed to exchange views that will help strengthen efforts to maximize national investment in research, innovation and technology.