Speech of the Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation | Press Conference of the EU funded Project ReInHerit |17 May 2021

Esteemed Minister and Deputy Minister,

Dear Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Cultural Foundation,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege to stand before you today at this press conference for the new research programme “ReInHerit” that is coordinated by the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation.

An EU-funded programme that aspires to create a model of sustainable heritage management, which will foster a dynamic digital European network of heritage stakeholders.

The success of the inspirers of this project in securing funding from “Horizon 2020” is tangible proof of the high level of research work carried out in Cyprus and we are very proud that our country ranks first among the EU member states in relation to the per capita net economic benefit from Horizon. Therefore, allow me to congratulate you all and express my gratitude for your dedication and relentless efforts to boost research as well as innovation in our country.

Your commitment to contribute towards connecting cultural heritage collections and sites and presenting our country’s rich history to citizens and visitors, is nothing short of remarkable.

Cyprus and Europe as a whole, are blessed with immense cultural heritage that can inspire us and provide us with a sense of a shared identity. Having this in mind, innovation and digital transformation have a vital role to play in the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage as well as enhancement of real-life experiences. They are in fact the link between society and our rich cultural past.

Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation aspires to lead to the development of a digital cultural heritage ecosystem and provide an open and collaborative space to experiment, share and innovate.

The ReInHerit project is a bright example of this. It aims to improve the field of heritage management, creating a dynamic network comprised of cultural heritage professionals, innovation and solution tech experts, researchers, museums and representative managers of Heritage Label sites. At the same time, it provides the project partners with numerous benefits and expands their research capabilities.

I am confident that the collaboration created between the ReInHerit partners will be fruitful, not only for their members but also for their countries. Establishing such partnerships is essential in order to effectively address increasing challenges and enhance our impact and advantages, seizing the opportunity to utilise scientific knowledge, know-how and data-sharing to turn challenges into results.

Distinguished guests,

In a rapidly evolving world, it is now more vital than ever to recognise the importance of research, technological development and innovation in ensuring economic growth and social prosperity; to embrace result-driven creativity and fuel cutting edge innovation across all levels of society and industry.

The development of a competitive Research and Innovation environment is fundamental and a high priority of the Cypriot Government, which has implemented a series of breakthrough reforms that reflect its strong commitment to establish Research and Innovation as a fundamental base of a new growth model, capable of expanding the productive base of the economy.

In collaboration with all involved stakeholders, we remain committed to implementing the government’s strategy to build a strong and robust Research and Innovation ecosystem that is fit-for-the-future. This adds value horizontally across all sectors of the economy, strengthens Cyprus’ competitiveness in the international arena and builds opportunities for socioeconomic prosperity.

Dear members of ReInHerit,

I am confident that we all share the same vision and it is our common mission to contribute to the establishment of a competitive economy driven by technological development, research, scientific excellence and innovation.

A mission that I, as the Chief Scientist, consider a personal challenge. Now is the time to seize the opportunities and together pave the way towards a brighter future.

I would like to once again congratulate all the participants and wish you every success. Your hard work is paving the path towards a bright future. A path that I am sure we will walk together, driven by a restless spirit of curiosity and passion about new and exciting opportunities

Thank you.