**Cyprus’ Digital Future Needs Young Voices, Says Damianou**
In a recent open discussion held in Larnaca, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou emphasized the importance of involving young people in the decision-making processes regarding technology that will impact their future jobs, education, and online safety. The event took place at UCLan Cyprus as part of the 20th National Session of the European Youth Parliament Cyprus (EYP Cyprus), where students engaged in discussions about the digitalization of the state and its implications.
Damianou highlighted the necessity of listening to the younger generation, stating, “As much as young people want to listen to me, I also want to listen to them.” He acknowledged that policymakers often overlook the perspectives of youth in discussions that directly affect them. The Deputy Minister pointed out that technology and digital innovation have become integral to everyday life and are crucial for the economic future of Cyprus.
The backdrop of this discussion coincided with a recent assessment by the European Union, which noted that Cyprus has established a solid foundation for its digital transition. The report indicated that the country boasts extensive gigabit connectivity and full 5G coverage. Approximately 75% of small and medium-sized enterprises in Cyprus have achieved at least a basic level of digital readiness, with many companies actively utilizing cloud services and data analytics.
However, the European Commission also raised concerns regarding the slow adoption of artificial intelligence in Cyprus, which could hinder the competitiveness of local businesses. Additionally, disparities in digital skills among different age groups and educational backgrounds were highlighted as significant challenges. Although the share of ICT specialists in the workforce is around the EU average, there is a pressing need for initiatives that enable more individuals to benefit from the ongoing digital transformation.
The national digital roadmap of Cyprus outlines 62 measures backed by a budget of €980 million, focusing on infrastructure improvements, public service enhancements, business transformation, and the development of digital skills. This roadmap is particularly crucial for young people entering the labor market, as the Human Resource Development Authority (Anad) projects that about 40% of employment demand between 2022 and 2032 will be in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Despite Cyprus having a highly educated population, only 14.9% of tertiary students are pursuing STEM subjects, compared to 26.9% across the European Union.
To bridge the gap between education and industry, initiatives such as a €200,200 research and innovation internship program were introduced this summer. This program, funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), subsidized six-week placements for students at technology and research companies. Additionally, a separate €1 million program is providing early-stage startups with funding of up to €119,999 to develop products and services aimed at international markets.
Online safety emerged as another critical topic during the discussion. According to the latest Digital Decade survey, a significant 93% of Cypriots support stronger online protection measures for children and young people. Damianou has previously indicated that European discussions are increasingly focused on establishing appropriate age limits for online platforms and implementing effective age-verification systems, rather than relying solely on users to self-declare their age.
Damianou commended the students for dedicating their time to discuss pressing issues that will have direct consequences on their futures, rather than opting for leisure activities. The conference, which ran from August 22 to 27, gathered around 190 participants from public and private schools in Cyprus, along with volunteers from various European countries. EYP Cyprus president Marilena Spyrou expressed the significance of having policymakers involved in such discussions, noting that political decisions ultimately shape how the issues debated by young people are transformed into law.
As Cyprus navigates its digital future, the inclusion of young voices in conversations about technology and innovation will be essential. The insights and perspectives of the youth can help ensure that the digital landscape is shaped in a way that meets their needs and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.