Participation of the Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos at the “R&D and Innovation in Healthcare” Conference | 2 February 2021
The Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos, participated at the first specialised digital conference on Research, Development and Innovation in Health which was held on the 2nd of February 2021. The digital “Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Conference 2021” was organised by Boussias Communication. The Deputy Minister of Research and Technology of Greece, Mr. Christos Dimas, distinguished guests from the academic, research and business areas, institutional, state and european institutions, as well as top executives of the pharmaceutical sector participated in event.
At the centre of the discussions was the key role of research, innovation and technological development in health sector, with participants attempting to outline the next day for the industry, in a period characterised by ongoing challenges due to the pandemic. Discussions were held on a wide range of topics, such as drug research and development, clinical studies, innovative solutions , technology and business models, market access, regulatory processes, best practices, leadership, culture and strategy.
In his welcome speech at the start of the conference, the Chief Scientist Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos referred to the multidimensional contribution of Research and Innovation stressing that “ R&I, which govern horizontally all sectors of the economy, are the main driving forces of growth and sustainable development with the health sector being at the centre”. He also stressed the need to further enhance the investment in the triple helix: Research, Innovation and Technology Development.
Dr. Mastroyiannopoulos also analysed the breakthrough reforms implemented by the Cyprus Government aiming to shape a new economic model for the country. “A driven growth model which contributes to the expansion of the productive base of the Cyprus economy, improves the quality of life of citizens, creates new jobs and new investment opportunities while at the same time enhances the country’s competitiveness on the international scene”. “Although Cyprus is a small country,” he noted, “has a high-level of research and innovative business community, which significantly contributes to the health sector”. As explained, the academic and research institutions currently operating in Cyprus carry out basic and applied state-of-the-art research in the health sector, investing in the triple helix of medical education, research and technology in order to result in innovative solutions.
In conclusion, Dr. Mastroyiannopoulos praised the long-standing relations between Cyprus and Greece in key strategic pillars, as well as the initiatives undertaken by the two countries and stressed that “by joining forces and exploiting opportunities and synergies new era will emerge”.
