Cyprus’ strategic position in the Mediterranean area has long established the island as Europe’s stepping stone to the East. Cyprus is easily accessible from all major European destinations and has a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure, which enables easy access to international research networks. It also has an excellent educational infrastructure which facilitates the movement of foreign scientists and their families to Cyprus. Furthermore, its traditionally good relations with neighbouring countries provide a promising platform for fruitful cooperation and collaboration.

Cyprus’ Strategy on Research and Development

The Research Promotion Foundation (RPF) was established by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus in 1996 to promote the development
of scientific and technological research in Cyprus. Although the Foundation is a relatively newly established organisation, it has developed a wide range of activities. Among the RPF’s main activities is the development of national competitive programmes for the financing of research projects and support of research activities. Moreover, the RPF has developed several activities to facilitate the creation of networks between Cypriot and foreign scientists, create links between academia and industry, support young researchers, enhance research infrastructure and most importantly create a research culture on the island.
Following the announcement of the Lisbon Strategy, which aims to increase member-states’ investment in R&D activities to 3% of the GDP by 2010, the Cyprus Government set its sight on reaching 1% as a more realistic target. As part of Cyprus’ ‘National Reform Programme’, a number of measures have been taken to increase and improve investment in R&D and especially in the private sector.
The Cyprus Government has recently decided to utilize EU structural funds to enhance research activities on the island. The funds will be incorporated in the new RPF Framework Programme 2007-2013 that is expected to be announced in June 2007.
Participation of Cyprus in the International and Regional Programmes
Cyprus participates in European Research Programmes such as the Framework Programme and COST and is a Member of International Organizations such as EUREKA and JRC. Currently, the RPF participates in a number of Specific Support Actions (SSA) and ERA-NET projects, funded under FP6, in various thematic priorities. The Foundation is also a member of the European Science Foundation.
With regard to international cooperation, Cyprus is currently participating
in projects under the thematic priorities ‘Regions of Knowledge’ and ‘Research Potential’ of FP7 that emphasise collaboration with the Balkan Countries. In addition, the RPF intends to actively participate in projects such as WBC-INCO.NET and SEE-ERA.NET.
Moreover, Cyprus is undertaking a number of activities aimed at the promotion of international cooperation, through signing of bilateral agreements in the field of research. So far, agreements have been signed with Greece, France, Italy, Slovenia, Egypt, and Romania, whereas preliminary discussions are under way with various European and Arab Countries. The aim of this last initiative is to make Cyprus a link between