The focus is on the Knowledge and Cooperation Bridges Initiative. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen ecosystems Research and Innovation in Cyprus and Greece

With the main objective of further strengthening the Research and Innovation ecosystems of Greece and Cyprus as well as expanding their cooperation in areas of common interest, the National Documentation and Electronic Content Centre (EKT) and the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (CERF) , of Cyprus proceeded to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Recognising the key role that Research and Innovation plays in addressing today’s economic, social and other challenges, EKT and the Foundation are joining forces to facilitate the creation of synergies between actors from both countries. The Memorandum focuses on cooperation for the new European Union’s new funding programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe”, as well as for EKT’s “Knowledge and Cooperation Bridges” initiative.

In particular, the Memorandum provides, inter alia, for the encouragement of Greek and Cypriot institutions to submit joint research proposals to Horizon Europe and specifically to the Multidisciplinary Priorities “Health”, “Digital Technologies, Industry and Space” and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, through actions to be carried out by the competent National Contact Points of the two countries. In this context, the exchange of information and the organisation of joint activities are foreseen in order to inform and create partnerships between the scientific and research community of each country.

At the same time, through EKT’s “Knowledge and Cooperation Bridges” initiative, the networking of scientists, researchers and innovative businesses from Cyprus and Greece is promoted, aiming at the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and experience. The Initiative aims to create bridges of understanding and foster bonds of cooperation among Greeks, wherever they are.

The digital platform of the Knowledge and Cooperation Bridges Initiative(www.knowledgebridges.gr), which has been recently updated, is open to Greek, including Cypriots, members of the diaspora to receive services and information with the main purpose of networking and cooperation. The upgraded digital platform provides a friendly, easy-to-use and interactive environment for network members who are looking for partners, who wish to receive guidance from qualified mentors for further personal and professional development, as well as to access useful information on funding opportunities, scholarships and studies in Greece and to participate in educational seminars.

In his statements at a meeting of the Directors of the two institutions, the Director General of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Mr. Theodoros Loukaidis, welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which institutionalizes a cooperation that strengthens the already close relations between the two countries in the fields of Research and Innovation.

Mr. Θ. Loukaidis noted that “encouraging the development of joint projects at European level and the exchange of know-how with countries that have a more advanced ecosystem than Cyprus increases extroversion and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills, contributing significantly to the further development of the Cypriot ecosystem”. “Therefore,” he added, “building links with institutions such as EKT opens up new perspectives and strengthens cooperation with the Greek and Cypriot diaspora, which can enrich the research conducted in our country and facilitate international networking of the scientific community.”

Dr Evi Sahini, Director of EKT, expressed her satisfaction for the formalisation of systematic cooperation on the basis of common points of interest with an institution such as the Research and Innovation Foundation. “Our goal is, by joining forces, to help the communities of Greek and Cypriot researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs and professionals to network and have more effective access to information and targeted services”. Finally, Ms E. Sahini referred to the importance of cooperation between the two organisations in terms of the European programmes in which they are National Contact Points, and the need to transfer know-how, which is necessary for the formation of a beneficial research and innovation ecosystem between the two countries.

Research and Innovation Foundation (R&I Foundation)

The Research and Innovation Foundation(www.research.org.cy) is the national body responsible for supporting and promoting research, technological development and innovation in Cyprus. Its mission is achieved through the design and management of grant programmes for research projects and innovative activities, combined with support for the integration of Cypriot researchers in research activities in the European and international arena.

National Documentation and Electronic Content Centre (EKT)

The National Documentation and Electronic Content Centre (EKT)(www.ekt.gr ) is a Scientific Infrastructure of National Use and National Authority of the Hellenic Statistical System and is supervised by the Ministry of Digital Governance. EKT, as an electronic and physical infrastructure of national scope, has as its institutional role the collection, accumulation, organisation, documentation, dissemination within and outside the country and the digital preservation of scientific, technological and cultural information, content and data produced in Greece.