The Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, represented the Cyprus, on behalf of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, at the Ministerial Roundtable, held as part of the 23rd Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, Japan.
The STS Forum is one of the leading international platforms for dialogue on the role of science and technology in society, bringing together political and government leaders, scientists, academics, business leaders and representatives of international organisations in Kyoto each year. The Forum provides an opportunity to exchange views on the major opportunities and challenges arising from developments in science and technology.
The high-level Ministerial Roundtable brought together Ministers and senior representatives from the fields of science, research, technology and innovation from around the world, with a focus on exchanging views on the challenges and opportunities emerging in an environment of rapid technological, social and geopolitical developments.
In his intervention, Skourides presented Cyprus’ perspectives on the role of science and technology at a time when technological developments, societal needs and geopolitical shifts are becoming increasingly interconnected. He stressed the importance of developing policies that strengthen countries’ ability to harness emerging technologies for the benefit of society, the economy and sustainable development.
During the discussion that followed, he particularly highlighted the importance of supporting basic research, accelerating knowledge transfer and utilisation, and strengthening international cooperation as key factors in building stronger, more interconnected and resilient research and innovation ecosystems.
He also underlined the importance of cooperation between governments, the research and academic communities, and the business sector, so that scientific knowledge and technological progress can be translated into new solutions, opportunities and tangible economic and societal impact.
Cyprus’ participation in the Ministerial Roundtable strengthens the country’s international presence in the dialogue on research and innovation policy and creates further opportunities for knowledge exchange, the development of synergies and the strengthening of the international connections of the Cypriot research and innovation ecosystem.
On the margins of the STS Forum, Skourides held a series of bilateral meetings with the respective Ministers responsible for Research and Innovation of Egypt, Argentina and Slovenia. During the meetings, they exchanged views on research and innovation policy and discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between Cyprus and the respective countries in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
Cyprus’ participation in the STS Forum underscores the country’s commitment to actively contributing to the international dialogue on the future of science and technology and to strengthening international partnerships that advance research, innovation and sustainable development.
