Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy

The Deputy Ministry for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, is the competent authority for the design and implementation of the Government policy for Research and Innovation (R&I).

By supporting scientific research, investing in innovative entrepreneurship and implementing an ambitious digital transformation reform, the Deputy Ministry aspires to develop a modern and efficient state, competitive at European and international level, and a dynamic digital economy, where every citizen and every business will be able to grow and prosper.

National Board for Research and Innovation

The National Board for Research and Innovation (NBRI) is the advisory to the President of the Republic body for defining R&I strategy. The Council is responsible for promoting and implementing the National Strategic Framework for R&I, for submitting proposals and suggestions on strategy issues and for monitoring the implementation of actions adopted at policy level. The Council meets on a regular basis and its work is supported by the Chief Scientist (ex-officio member) and the competent Directorate of the Deputy Ministry for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, acting as NBRI secretariat.

Chief Scientist

The Chief Scientist coordinates and supervises the formulation of the national R&I policy and the overall operation of the National R&I Governance System, including the Departments and Bodies involved in both the political and operational levels. In addition, the Chief Scientist participates as ex-officio member in a number of national and European bodies. The Chief Scientist chairs, ex officio, the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation. 

Committee of Ministry Research and Innovation (R&I) Coordinators
The Committee of Ministry Research and Innovation (R&I) Coordinators operates under the Chairmanship of the Chief Scientist. Each Ministry appoints a R&I Coordinator as a focal point of communication for Research and Innovation matters.

Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF)

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is the executive arm of the National R&I Governance System.

• RIF Establishment and Role

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is the national authority in charge of supporting and promoting research, technological development and innovation in Cyprus.

The RIF was established in 1996, following an initiative by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, with the initial name of Research Promotion Foundation (RPF). The RIF is a private legal entity structured as a non-profit organization, and is registered as an Institution, under the Societies and Institutions Laws. The significant role of scientific research in modern socio-economic development, as well as the vital need to enhance research activities and infrastructures in Cyprus, were determining factors for the founding of the RIF.

Since its establishment, the Foundation has developed widespread activities at the National, European and International levels, with a strong focus on the development of national research programs, as well as the representation of Cyprus in European and International programs and organizations. Following a relevant decision by the Council of Ministers in 2007, the Foundation expanded its range of activities to also support and advance Innovation in Cyprus.

After a further decision by the Council of Ministers in October 2018, for the overall restructuring of the Research, Technological Development and Innovation System in Cyprus, the Foundation was renamed to Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), and took over the role of the executive arm of this System. 

• RIF Mission

RIF’s mission is the establishment of all the necessary conditions and requirements that will support the development of Research, Technology and Innovation in Cyprus. Through innovative actions and programmes, RIF reinforces the domestic Research and Innovation ecosystem, contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy and develops cooperation and networking with the international research and entrepreneurial communities.