Proposals of the Cyprus Council for Economy and Competitiveness
There are currently ten universities in Cyprus, seven private and three state universities. University education has become an important sector of economic activity, with positive implications for society as well as a source of revenue for the economy. The number of higher education students has doubled in 12 years and now exceeds 50 thousand, of which 44% are from EU countries and 16% from third countries.
Chart: Number of Students 2000-2020
The overall contribution of Universities to GDP is difficult to calculate as, in addition to the direct revenues from tuition and accommodation costs, the economy benefits from the improvement of the level of the workforce, the development of research and culture, and in general the improvement of the quality of life of the overall population. There is considerable potential for further improving Cyprus' position as an international centre of higher education. University education is considered by the Council of Economy and Competitiveness as a priority sector in a new, modern model of the Cypriot economy, as reflected in the "Vision 2035", i.e. the new Long-Term Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Cypriot economy, which revolves around the axes of long-term sustainable growth, competitiveness and enhancing the well-being of citizens.
Education and training play an important role in achieving Vision 2035, providing the workforce with the necessary skills and qualifications to make the Cypriot economy even more competitive. In the context of the long-term strategy, various policies have been activated to promote employment, improve the quality of education, as well as mechanisms to ensure a better match between labour supply and demand.
The definition of the new growth model, as well as the identification of the main economic sectors, both existing and new, that can contribute more added value to economic activity and thus perform the key levers for achieving long-term viability. [*] Determining the countries of origin of the students we will seek to attract. [*]Determining the number which will be the target for increasing the number of students, Cypriot, European and from third countries, in the next five years. This target could be a doubling of students over the next 10-15 years. [*] A joint enlightenment campaign, with the participation of all public and private higher education institutions, using diplomatic missions abroad, to promote the advantages of Cyprus ("branding") as an educational centre.
[*]Creation of a special portal, with the participation of all higher education institutions, where interested foreign students can easily find all the necessary information about higher education in Cyprus. [*]Cooperation of research centres with centres of research excellence in Europe for the exchange of know-how, researchers, postgraduate students and research funding and avoiding the "brain drain". [/LIST] [/TD] [/TR]
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Cooperation between the three medical schools in Cyprus through the creation of a joint university hospital
University hospitals are internationally respected for the level of medicine they offer, for the training of medical and paramedical staff and for their contribution to scientific research. The operation of a joint university hospital will help to further develop medical schools. It will also contribute to the objective of making Cyprus a regional centre for the provision of health services.
| This project, which will have a wider impact on the society and economy of Cyprus, will require:
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3. Establish a centre of excellence for new technologies.
The centre of excellence will be able to participate in international developments around this topical issue, expand local knowledge and offer solutions in joint projects with local companies and organisations.
| The implementation of this proposal:
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[4] Facilitate public universities in attracting foreign students
In the public university sector, Cypriot society has so far invested several hundred million euros. The results of this investment have been beneficial for the country. But this benefit will be magnified if the public universities are able to use their infrastructure and people in programmes aimed at future English-speaking students.
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| Universities will be able to increase their added value by responding better to market needs through. [*]The collaboration of University research centres with businesses, as well as private and governmental organisations, through targeted, practical and specialised seminars to transfer know-how and upgrade the skills of human resources. |
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[6] Facilitate employment of students and graduates.
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7. Provide incentives to attract higher education institutions/faculties to disadvantaged areas such as mountainous, rural and tourist areas that are significantly affected by seasonality.
Attracting higher education institutions to disadvantaged areas can have direct and indirect benefits to local economies and the wider economy through multiplier benefits. In addition to the economic activity of the institutions themselves in the local economy, the accommodation of students in these disadvantaged areas has the potential to revitalise them economically, improve quality of life, combat homelessness and attract new residents. For tourist areas with seasonal problems in particular, the multiplier effects can be even greater, since the training programmes are mainly carried out in the winter months when economic activity is limited. In addition to helping to reduce seasonality and attract tourism to tourist areas all year round, the operation of tertiary programmes relevant to local economies will contribute to increasing productivity and the quality of the products and services offered.
| Attracting tertiary institutions to disadvantaged areas can be achieved through:
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(MB/SX)
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