“Collaboration is ongoing and two-way. Our Cyprus team works closely with colleagues in the US and across our international network, sharing operational data, best practices and insights from a live, large-scale deployment,” says Chrysostomos Filippou, Country Manager of Elovate.
Elovate, a Modaxo company, is a US-based automated traffic enforcement and public safety technology company providing intelligent traffic management solutions. Elovate’s systems are deployed in Cyprus to support public authorities in improving road safety and traffic compliance, through automated enforcement, data analytics and smart mobility technologies.
In a recent interview with GOLD magazine, Filippou talks about Cyprus becoming an Elovate strategic base due to its EU access, skilled talent and regional positioning, offering a stable environment to build a presence that supports global expansion through strong local execution and collaboration.
What initially positioned Cyprus as the right strategic choice for Elovate?
Cyprus offers EU market access, a strong professional talent base and a strategic location linking Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean. Beyond geography, it also provides an environment that allows companies to build a proven success story – operating at scale under real regulatory and operational conditions – before expanding further into the region. From the start, our objective was to build a strong local presence rather than a representative office. Over time, the Cyprus operation has developed into a mature delivery organisation, contributing operational insight, process improvements and practical feedback that support Elovate’s broader regional and global activities.
Are there specific operational or structural challenges for US companies operating from Cyprus?
As in many regulated markets, US companies may face regulatory complexity, multi-step approval processes and administrative timelines that require careful planning. In our experience, these challenges can be managed through early engagement, transparency and a cooperative approach. We have also seen steady progress in digitalisation and growing openness from public authorities to discussion and continuous improvement.
How do teams in Cyprus collaborate with colleagues in the US and other international offices?
Collaboration is ongoing and two-way. Our Cyprus team works closely with colleagues in the US and across our international network, sharing operational data, best practices and insights from a live, large-scale deployment. This creates a strong link between day-to-day operations and innovation, ensuring that product development reflects real-world needs while allowing successful practices from Cyprus to be applied across other programs globally.
How do differing regulatory frameworks influence your approach to product development and deployment?
Regulatory requirements are treated as a key input from the beginning. In Cyprus, close coordination with the relevant authorities helps ensure that solutions are deployed safely, responsibly and in full compliance. This approach supports reliable systems, builds trust with stakeholders and enables sustainable long-term operations.
What advice would you give other US companies considering Cyprus for their operations?
Adopt a glocal approach – combining global standards, governance and technology with a strong local operating presence, while also recognising cultural, institutional and communication differences. This means staying aligned with global processes while empowering a local team that understands the regulatory environment, local working culture and stakeholder expectations. By focusing early on compliance, operational discipline and constructive engagement, companies can create stability and predictability. Used in this way, Cyprus can be a solid base for building operational maturity and supporting wider regional growth.
This interview first appeared in the February edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
