Nanoforum - Nanotech Regulatory Document Archive

• The Research Promotion Foundation is responsible for co-ordinating and
supporting research activities and promoting networking inside Cyprus and
internationally. One of its activities is the strengthening of research infrastructure
in Cyprus. Regarding the funding, it is organised through the annual programme
for funding research projects, a funding programme for young researchers, a
programme for pupils in research and a competition for undergraduate students.
Foreign scientists can also apply for funding if they collaborate with Cypriot
researchers.
So, Innovation Policy in Cyprus is in its early stages. The most important innovation
activities are the Regional Innovation Strategy Programme (RISC), the services
offered by the Innovation Relay Centre (Hephaestus) and the New Industrial Policy
(1999) including a business incubator scheme and a Centre of Research and
Technological Development.
In Cyprus, there is no single entity responsible for the design, promotion and coordination
of innovation policy measures. The innovation system in Cyprus is structured
on policy, intermediary and implementation levels:
• At policy level, the Planning Bureau (responsible for the overall economic policy)
has a central role in the design of the Cypriot RTDI strategy and in the promotion
of international scientific co-operation. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and
Tourism carries responsibility for the promotion of high-tech companies, the
reconstruction of traditional industry and for attracting foreign investment. The
Technical Committee, an inter-departmental unit for innovation matters in Cyprus,
is responsible mainly for the promotion of high-tech industry.
• At the intermediary level, the Research Promotion Foundation (RPF)
communicates the RTDI strategy to the research community. The Cyprus
Institute of Technology (CIT) aims at enhancing the competitiveness of Cypriot
firms by focusing on their technological and innovation upgrade. RTD Talos, a
private sector initiative, acts as an intermediary through its active role in the
Cyprus RITTS.
• The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, the University of Cyprus, the
Higher Technical Institute, the State General Laboratory, the Agriculture
Research Institute and the Cyprus Productivity Centre operate at the
implementation level. Other key actors are the Intercollege, the Frederick
Institute of Technology, the Cyprus College the newly established Business
Incubators and private enterprises.
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