|
18-01-2021 |
|
Enhancing cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship |
|
Aiming to expand and further
enhance cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in the fields of innovation and
entrepreneurship, the Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation (R&I) of
the Republic of Cyprus and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in
cooperation with Mashav – Israel’s Agency For International Development
Cooperation, the Golda Meir MASHAV Carmel International Training Centre,
the Economic Divisions of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of
the State of Israel to the Republic of Cyprus, have launched the “Training the
Trainers: Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Cyprus” course, providing
stakeholders from Cyprus a unique opportunity to gain a holistic view of
Israel’s experience in the quest for developing a successful innovation and
entrepreneurship ecosystem. The program includes six on-line
lectures from distinguished Israeli speakers addressing issues related to the
development of innovation support structures such as accelerators/incubators,
technology parks and technology transfers offices, the attraction of
investments in innovative enterprises as well as the development and
implementation of state-of-the-art innovation support measures. The opening ceremony was greeted
by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr Kyriacos
Kokkinos, and the Ambassador of the State of Israel in Cyprus, Mr Shmuel Revel.
Minister Kokkinos thanked Israel for its continuous support, at all levels, and
particularly for this highly important initiative reflecting the neighbouring
country’s commitment to share its knowledge and experience to inspire and
support fellow nations in their efforts to develop their entrepreneurial spirit
and technological capabilities. According to Mr Kokkinos “innovation and
technology are key levers of growth and sustainable development, as well as
strong tools in addressing the world’s most pressing needs, all amplified by
the Covid-19 pandemic”. Ambassador Revel, on his part, noted that “in recent
years, growing synergies bring Israel and Cyprus together in the field of
Technological Innovation. The action plan with the Deputy Minister for
Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr Kyriacos Kokkinos, and with the
Chief Scientist of Cyprus is complemented with Israeli training for Cypriots
from the Innovation ecosystem. I thank the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and all those who made it happen. This human bridge is a significant
contribution to our close friendly relations and to our future”. Addressing the event, the Chief
Scientist for Research and Innovation and Chairman of RIF, Dr Nikolas
Mastroyiannopoulos, stressed that in order to strengthen Cyprus’
competitiveness in the international arena, creating a vibrant ecosystem of
start-ups and innovative enterprises is a top priority and explained: “an
ecosystem that is efficient and fit-for-the-future, adding value horizontally,
across all sectors of the economy and building opportunities for socioeconomic
prosperity, by creating new jobs, offering easier access to the various
services and attracting investments”. Dr Mastroyiannopoulos also added that
this programme creates solid foundations for further development of the
long-term co-operation between the two countries. Cyprus has much to learn from
Israel on innovative entrepreneurship in order to further develop its own
ecosystem. According to Dr. Mastroyiannopoulos “alone we are smart, together we
are brilliant, united we build a better future”. Mr Theodoros Loukaidis, the
Director General of RIF, referred to the investment of €20 million in 85
innovative enterprises granted through the RIF Innovation Programmes. “The
challenge ahead of us”, he noted, “is to ensure that the innovative products
and services of these enterprises manage to penetrate the international market
and attract further investment from abroad with the right support from our part
and that of our R&I stakeholders”. Thanking Israel once again, he added
“Taking into account the admirable success of the State of Israel in this domain,
we very much look forward to hearing about the Israeli R&I and start-up
ecosystem and much more”.
(EK/SCH) |
