The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, in the framework of its responsibilities for the country's participation in the "Horizon Europe" Programme, organized a High Level Meeting on the implementation of EU Missions on 05 May 2023, between the hours of 10.00 - 13.00 at the new premises of Nicosia City Hall (Municipal Council and Events Hall).
This meeting was attended by representatives of the European Commission. Julien Guerrier, Director of the Joint Policy and Mission Coordination Centre, DG Research and Innovation, Mr Neville Reeve, Head of Mission Coordination, DG R&I as well as representatives of Ministries and other actors in the domestic Research and Innovation ecosystem. The purpose of the meeting was to inform each other and exchange views to better understand the innovations in the policy approach of the European Missions and to facilitate the coordination of EU and national initiatives directly related to the Missions. In particular, the Commission will present the progress of the Missions and the initiatives it is developing to support national structures in their efforts to promote the use of EU funds in the Missions and to develop synergies with national initiatives. For their part, the domestic representatives will inform the EU on how Cyprus plans to implement initiatives falling within the scope of the Missions, including the opportunities and obstacles identified by the country.
It is stated that under the EU's financial programme, the EU's financial programme is being implemented. for R&D activities, Horizon Europe, the following five European Missions are being implemented:
- Cancer
- Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters
- Adaptation to climate change including social transformation
- Climate neutral and smart cities
- Soil health and food
This is a new approach (portfolio approach) in order to find concrete solutions to some of the biggest global challenges. On a practical level, Horizon Europe provides funding through Calls for Proposals in synergy with other EU financial instruments and policies. However, in order to achieve the ambitious objectives of the Missions, programmes and strategies need to be implemented both at Member State and regional level, as well as with civil society and the private sector. They are an innovative concept that brings together a multitude of stakeholders, such as research organisations, municipalities, universities and industry players in an effort to implement integrated policies related to the five European Missions.
Cyprus is undoubtedly a country with significant potential in Research & Innovation, which is demonstrated through our impressive and rapidly growing R&D ecosystem, with high quality academic and research institutions and a thriving business community. Cyprus is ranked 20th out of 27 EU Member States in the 2022 edition of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), moving up 4 places in the last 2 years.
2. Cyprus has also entered the "Strong Innovators" category in the 2022 European Innovation Performance Scoreboard, moving up to 10th place in the overall ranking of EU Member States.
However, we still have a long way to go to achieve a fundamental transformation of our economy and society, leveraging a strong R&D&I ecosystem. Our efforts are focused on enabling researchers, entrepreneurs and all creative minds to gain access to resources including state-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities, knowledge, finance and human capital to create innovative businesses that are able to triumph on the international market with innovative products and services.
Access to finance is among our highest priorities.
Access to finance is among our highest priorities. In this respect, exploiting the opportunities offered by the EU Research and Innovation Programmes is vital to our efforts."
(MH)
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