Country Overviews
Introduction
Up until the early 1990s the level of Research and Technological Development (RTD) activities in Cyprus was very low in comparison with the high growth of its economy. Most research activities were undertaken by the public sector, whilst the financing of these activities was provided directly through the annual Development Budget of the Republic.
During the last few years RTD activities in Cyprus have been significantly expanding, mainly as a result of several initiatives undertaken towards the upgrading of research activities. These include the establishment of the University of Cyprus (1992), the establishment of the Cyprus International Institute for Environment and Public Health in collaboration with Harvard University (2004), the establishment of the Cyprus University of Technology (2006), and the establishment of the Cyprus Institute in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2006).
A key development was the establishment in 1996 of the Research Promotion Foundation, which is a non-profit organisation with the mission of promoting scientific and technological research in Cyprus. Among the RPF's main activities is the development of national competitive programmes for financing of research and innovation projects and support of research activities.
The Planning Bureau is the Government agency engaged in the formulation of strategy, the identification of objectives and the introduction of policy measures aiming at the promotion of research activities in Cyprus. In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, it provides direct financing for research initiatives undertaken by the state research institutions and departments, through the annual Development Budget of the Republic. The Minister responsible for research activities in Cyprus is the Minister of Finance. The Planning Bureau is also the national representative of Cyprus in the EU Framework Programmes on RTD, which have been important for the expansion of Cypriot research activities, as they have enhanced the networking and collaboration between Cypriot and European researchers.
National Government Departments
Planning Bureau of the Republic of Cyprus
Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus
Ministry of Communications and Works
Operational Programme Sustainable Development and Competitiveness, 2007-2013
Includes transport network projects (road and port infrastructure, rural accessibility and public transport); programme of the Planning Bureau.
www.planning.gov.cy/planning/planning.nsf/dmlprogrammes_en/dmlprogrammes_en?OpenDocument
RPF Framework Programme 2008-2010
The main initiative undertaken in Cyprus aiming at the growth of scientific research, technology and innovation. It is addressed at research institutions, SMEs and non-profit organisations. The basic objectives are the preparation of quality projects in a wide spectrum of thematic areas, the increase in the number of researchers, the improvement of competitiveness of SMEs, the creation of upgraded infrastructures and the growth of international networking and collaboration.
www.crpf.metacanvas.com/EN/nationalprogrammes/index.html
Ministry of Communications and Works
Current measures and research promoted include a programme for a network of bicycle lanes; better traffic management; production of improved fuel, particularly for diesel engines; the establishment of an e-type approval system and vehicle inspection; and encouraging public transport.
