Cyprus presents research and innovation priorities at Kyoto science forum

Kyoto, Japan. Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides represented the country at the ministerial roundtable of the 23rd Science and Technology in Society Forum, presenting its research and innovation priorities.

Technology, society and policy

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 arising from rapid advances in science and technology.

Representing Cyprus on behalf of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Skourides outlined the country’s position on the increasingly close links between technological change, social needs and geopolitical developments.

He stressed the need for policies that help countries make better use of emerging technologies while ensuring that their benefits reach society and the economy.

Research and international cooperation

Skourides placed particular emphasis on basic research, faster knowledge transfer and application, and stronger international cooperation.

He also highlighted the need for closer ties between governments, universities, research institutions and businesses to turn scientific knowledge more quickly into practical solutions, commercial opportunities and wider economic benefits.

This approach aligns with Cyprus’ broader efforts to strengthen links between research, industry and business and give its innovation ecosystem a stronger international outlook.

Improvement in European innovation rankings

Cyprus climbed one place to 16th among EU member states in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2026.

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 increased by 4.1 points from 2025, the third-largest annual rise recorded across the bloc.