Kleanthis Koutsoftas: Tourism, Digital Policy, Innovation, Circular Economy (VIDEO)

A proposal for a new economic development model is presented by the Candidate for Famagusta MP with DISY, Kleanthis Koutsoftas.

A proposal that includes proposals for tourism, digital policy, innovation, circular economy.

His proposal in detail:

Cyprus should strengthen the competitiveness of our economy to become innovative and with new productive sectors, in order to preserve the medium and long-term sustainable growth, while creating new jobs.
This is a process that should not be stagnant, but should be constantly strengthened with new ideas and actions, adapting our economic ecosystem to the rapidly changing international environment and addressing emerging challenges.

Alternative Forms of Tourism.

Cyprus has not satisfactorily developed a particular advantage that differentiates it significantly from its competitors in terms of alternative forms of tourism. Tourism can, and should, be a means of highlighting the Cypriot territory, but also to stimulate the promotion of local identity through a rational planning with the active participation of the local population, thus contributing to the redefinition of the country's tourism activity.

⮚ Suggestion:

Ρο Provision of tax and urban incentives for investments in companies related to alternative forms of tourism (agritourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, religious tourism, nature and walking tourism, mountaineering tourism, winter tourism, sports tourism, educational tourism, educational tourism, tourism health), such as:
* Reduction of transfer fees for related sales.
* Tax deduction for all new funds invested in companies to expand their activities.
* VAT reduction for renovation works.
. Publication of a complete tour guide for each form of alternative tourism.
. Increase of advertising amounts of alternative forms of Tourism by the Ministry of Tourism.

Research and Innovation

There is great potential and growth potential for the Research and Innovation sector, so that it can play an increased role in economic growth in the future. At the same time, the crisis caused by the pandemic has further highlighted the need to develop this sector as an important pillar for the creation of a healthy and sustainable economic growth.

⮚ Suggestion:

● The Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy to take on the role of coordinating the various centers of excellence, while providing tax incentives for private sector involvement (eg exemption from VAT on the purchase of machinery, equipment and services to be used for research and development of innovative ideas).
. Introduction of measurable Performance Indicators across the range of research activities and programs implemented at public and European expense, so that there is a redistribution of resources from inefficient to more productive activities.
. Cultivating a culture for research and innovation in schools through relevant educational seminars / programs.
. Institutionalizing and supporting the development of new innovation production formations, such as clusters.
● Establishment of alternative financial instruments, such as Venture Capital and Crowd-Funding.
Ξη Re-announcement of offers for the creation of a Science and Technology Park.

E-Government / Digital Policy.

E-government and digital policy, taking into account the rapid technological advances, should be a top priority of our development model, as it will significantly contribute to increasing productivity, modernizing public services and strengthening the competitiveness of businesses, creating a modern, functional and citizen-friendly state.

⮚ Suggestion:

. Replacement of time-consuming control procedures in the public sector with digital controls, so that employees can easily handle repetitive administrative tasks. within reduced working hours.
● Development of distance work, with flexible hours and shifts, with the aim of providing government services at all times.
. Implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum of Cooperation with Estonia, a model country in the field of e-government.
• Providing incentives to citizens and / or businesses to connect to high-speed broadband networks
• Development of ultra-high speed broadband infrastructure in areas of socio-economic interest and in remote areas
• Provide incentives to providers to develop ultra-high speed networks.
• Promotion of Sponsorship Plans for the digitization of the internal environment (organization, administration), as well as for the provision of electronic services
• Providing incentives to small and medium enterprises for the development of e-commerce and provision of electronic services
• Provision of training / consulting services to companies for the transition to the digital age (development of digital skills of small and medium enterprises).
• Providing incentives to companies for the use of modern technological equipment both in their production and in their operation.
• Training Programs for employees and targeted groups to promote citizens' e-skills and reduce digital illiteracy.
• Integration of innovation and digital entrepreneurship in schools with specific educational programs and activities.
• Expansion of e-government services within the public service (digitization, computerization of public services).
• Promoting the interoperability of public electronic services.
• Further enhance e-health.

Circular Economy

Despite recent investments in the waste sector, significant efforts are still needed to meet the European transition targets of the circular economy, with the main goal of zero waste generation. Turning to a circular economy could bring benefits such as reduced environmental burden, greater security of raw material supply, increased competitiveness, stimulated innovation, promoted economic growth and job creation.

⮚ Suggestion:

Εφαρμογή Immediate implementation of the "Pay as I Fly" system (PDO) to local authorities.
• Financial support for business activity in the field of waste recovery collected separately.
• Increase of Green Point Network.
• Establishment of a waste transfer station / stations.
• Upgrading existing infrastructure of waste collection systems (eg Green Dot).
• Establishment of an Information Center for information of citizens and businesses regarding the available related financial plans of the European Union (eg LIFE Program) and provision of support for the ways of their utilization.
• Restoration of Uncontrolled Waste Disposal Areas.
• Granting innovative ideas that mitigate the negative impact on the environment.
• Elaboration of reward plans or granting of green loans to manufacturers for design of sustainable products.
• Development of plans for the upgrading of industrial zones with the aim of creating ecosystems based on the principles of the circular economy.
• Providing financial incentives to recycling companies to invest in new technologies for the management of various categories of waste that are currently not managed.

Urban Centers / Change of use of real estate.

It is a fact that urban centers are in surplus from buildings that are no longer used for commercial or residential purposes, while the increased demand for buildings leads to growth in the suburbs. By changing the use of existing buildings, from uses that do not meet the needs of the economy, it will be possible to strengthen urban centers, without creating additional infrastructure.

⮚ Suggestion:

. Provision of urban and tax incentives for change of use of existing buildings.