The Government supports and is one of its first priorities research and technology, which leads to the development and integration of technology in the economy and the everyday life of the Cypriot citizen, said on Thursday the Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos, during his visit to the Cyprus Institute.
In his statements after the end of the meeting with members of the Institute, and after thanking its president Stavros Malas for the information he received, Mr. Keravnos said that during his previous ministerial term in 2005 he submitted the proposal to the Council of Ministers for the creation of this distinguished institute and expressed his satisfaction that after 18 years he is finding a real respectable institute which is mainly engaged in research.
"The Government supports and is among its first priorities research and technology, research that leads to the development and integration of technology in the economy and the everyday life of the Cypriot citizen", emphasized the Minister of Finance, adding that it is something we need, especially in a period where the transition to the green and digital economy is not only a priority of the Government of Cyprus but of the EU.
He also expressed the certainty that the Cyprus Institute plays and will play an even greater role in this effort, which, he said, leads nowhere else than to the further development and assistance of young scientists, as Cyprus more than anything else produces scientists with the many universities it has and these people must enter the paths of research and technology that will ensure the future of Cyprus in a new era and a new world.
"The Ministry of Finance has been cooperating closely with the Cyprus Institute over time and will continue to cooperate," said Mr. Keravnos, adding that the role of the Cyprus Institute will be even brighter in the collective effort that the country is making as an equal member state of the EU.
For his part, Mr. Mallas stated that the Cyprus Institute is supported by the Republic of Cyprus and has an obligation to inform the executive power and all the political leadership regarding the work produced, adding that in its more than 15 years of operation, the Institute has to demonstrate a pioneering work in its fields of activity, as shown by measurable objectives and results.
He added that the Institute assists government work in many areas, and in particular the Ministry of Finance in the effort to draw up a plan for the green transition, which, as he said, is a great challenge for a geographically and energy-isolated country such as Cyprus.
The president of the Institute also said that through the discussion the importance of research in Cyprus, which has demonstrated an admirable course in competitive research internationally over the last 30 years, is highlighted.
He added that there is still a way to go in national programs and investment and that "if we don't invest in research and technology we will continue to have the big problem that other countries have, that of the escape of intelligent and qualified researchers".
"Our country produces perhaps the highest percentages of graduates in higher education, it has researchers all over the world, it produces commendable researchers and students and we must invest, because investment in research is an investment in extroversion, a sustainable economy, in the self-confidence of society and the displacement of the country is growing", Mr. Mallas concluded.
The visit of the Minister of Finance is part of an initiative by the Cyprus Institute to inform government officials and political leaders about its work.
Source: KYPE