Cyprus puts innovation ambitions on global stage in Japan

Cyprus has taken its research and innovation agenda to the global stage, with Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides representing the country at the ministerial roundtable of the 23rd Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto, Japan. The forum, which runs from October 4 to 6, brings together political leaders, senior government officials, scientists, academics and business figures to discuss the opportunities and challenges created by rapid advances in science and technology. Representing Cyprus on behalf of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Skourides set out the country’s position on the increasingly close links between technological change, social needs and geopolitical developments. He stressed the need for policies that allow countries to make better use of emerging technologies while ensuring their benefits are felt across society and the economy. Particular emphasis was placed on basic research, the faster transfer and use of knowledge, and stronger international cooperation. Skourides also highlighted the need for closer ties between governments, universities, research institutions and businesses so that scientific knowledge can be turned more quickly into practical solutions, commercial opportunities and wider economic benefits. That approach sits closely with Cyprus’ wider drive to strengthen links between research, industry and business while giving the country’s innovation ecosystem a stronger international outlook. Cyprus has also improved its standing in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2026, climbing one place to 16th among EU member states. The country remained in the Moderate Innovator group, with performance reaching 92.1 per cent of the EU average, compared with 86.4 per cent for the group as a whole. Its overall score rose by 4.1 points from 2025, the third-largest annual increase recorded across the bloc. Cyprus also ranked first in the EU in the scoreboard’s ‘Innovators’ dimension, which measures innovation activity among small and medium-sized enterprises, including the introduction of new products and business processes. Meanwhile, Skourides used the margins of the Kyoto meeting to hold bilateral talks with ministers responsible for research and innovation from Egypt, Argentina and Slovenia. The discussions focused on research and innovation policy, as well as possible areas for deeper cooperation in science, technology and innovation. The meetings form part of a broader effort by Cyprus to strengthen its links with international research and technology networks and improve the country’s position as a regional innovation hub. Skourides has repeatedly placed emphasis on artificial intelligence, deep technology and the commercialisation of research, alongside stronger links between researchers, businesses, investors and government bodies. He has served as Cyprus’ Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology since September 2023 and also chairs the board of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). The STS Forum itself was established as an international platform to examine both the benefits and the wider consequences of scientific and technological progress. Its agenda spans areas including climate change, digitalisation, privacy and the broader social and economic impact of new technologies. For Cyprus, participation in the Kyoto roundtable gives the country another platform to strengthen international research links, build new partnerships and raise the profile of its innovation ecosystem abroad.