Cyprus Smart Specialisation Strategy 2030
Economic sustainability and resilience through the integration of digital technologies
Description
The Smart Specialisation Strategy 2023 is an update to the 2015 Strategy identifying the priority sectors and segments of the technological landscape in Cyprus. The strategy has been updated to take into account new trends and opportunities with particular focus on digital technologies and advanced (innovative) materials; ecosystems, including those related to the agrifood, renewable energy, and maritime and shipping sectors; emerging ecosystems, including the space sector; and finally, enablers, covering health and the environment. The strategy can be of particular benefit to the agricultural sector in expanding its limited technological capacity, and to the agrifood sector through the promotion of precision agriculture, automation and robotics, thus contributing to the more efficient use of resources and improved farm management.
Technology
The strategy leverages the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, big data and sensors in agriculture, and promotes the use of digital and data technologies in combination with earth observation (EO), highlighting a wide range of opportunities related to the monitoring, protection and management of farms and aquafarms in farm to fork applications. These can include the tracing of production origin and labelling of products; and the development of innovative, cost-effective and resource-efficient blockchain-based approaches that increase the traceability of agricultural products in smart irrigation systems, precision agriculture and water management applications
Target
Given the strong focus on research and innovation, the main targets of the strategy are the private sector, research institutions and academia, although agricultural stakeholders such as farmers and SMEs may also benefit from its focus on the agrifood sector and environmental sustainability.
Impact
The strategy has diversified and improved the competitiveness of the agrifood ecosystem by supporting the development of new technologies, products and services for the farming sector, increasing the quality and nutritious value of local produce and food products and the diversity of local production. It has further promoted the principles of agroecology, thus increasing the resilience and sustainability of farming and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the agrifood ecosystem.
Partners
Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF); Technopolis group
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
