The 2nd Polish-Cypriot Forum on Information Security was recently convened, with the honourable presence of Mr Demetrios Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research Innovation and Technology, as the representative of Cyprus. This prestigious event, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Lefkosia and the Polish-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, garnered support from esteemed organisations and individuals including the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Polish Investment & Trade Agency PPFR Group (PAiH), among others.
Mr Skourides availed himself of the opportunity to expound upon the Cyprus Vision, Mission, and Ecosystem at the forum, thereby showcasing the remarkable performance and growth of the Cyprus R&I ecosystem. In so doing, he underscored its noteworthy achievements in various international rankings, effectively positioning Cyprus amongst the top performers in the region and globally. Additionally, Mr Skourides elucidated the primary thematic areas and industries upon which the Cyprus R&I ecosystem is focused, including digital technologies, advanced materials, agrifood, and renewable energy.
Of particular emphasis was Mr Skourides’ endorsement of Cyprus as an appealing destination for startups, investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs. He meticulously outlined the numerous advantages, such as a favorable tax regime, a startup visa, a digital nomad visa, a highly educated and skilled workforce, and a thriving community of support structures, accelerators, and incubators. Furthermore, Mr Skourides brought attention to the existence of seven Centres of Excellence within the Cyprus R&I ecosystem, which collaborate with top international partners to address societal and economic challenges.
The Chief Scientist also expounded upon the RIF tools designed to accelerate progress, consisting of competitive funding schemes that support the entire innovation cycle. He also highlighted Cyprus’s participation in seven EU Partnerships, encapsulating domains such as key digital technologies, clean energy transition, sustainable blue development, and rare diseases.
In addition to the insightful presentation by Mr Skourides, the forum featured presentations from Polish Cybersecurity companies, as well as meetings and networking sessions between Polish and Cypriot entrepreneurs and innovators. The Polish companies showcased their innovative solutions for various cybersecurity challenges and expressed their interest in collaborating with Cypriot partners.
In conclusion, the 2nd Polish-Cypriot Forum on Information Security proved to be a valuable platform for fostering collaboration and enhancing bilateral relations between Poland and Cyprus in the fields of research, innovation, and digitalisation. The event not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise but also provided opportunities for potential partnerships and alliances that could contribute to the growth and development of both countries.