The discussion with department heads was part of the minister’s action plan to mark the beginning of the EU’s new funding of research and innovation Horizon 2020, which aims at determining the ministry’s priorities and specific goals and timetables for the coming years. “The aim is to create a productive and progressive ministry with a common vision, common strategy and to contribute directly and substantially in the efforts to help the recovery of the economy, ensuring the public’s quality of life by developing and promoting projects and programmes of value,” Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis said.

The ministry’s vision is the sustainable and economic exploitation of natural resources and the marine life of Cyprus, and the development of the agricultural economy. Following the recent meeting it was decided that teams would be created to promote the ministry’s plan. The Horizon 2020 programme will allocate €80 billion in research grants during the period 2014-2020. During a news conference last month, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, who visited Cyprus specifically for the presentation, said that Horizon 2020 offers the country enormous opportunities. Research and innovation, she said, can become an instrument to fight the economic crisis through the development of innovative products and services and job creation. According to the Commissioner, the key is in the collaboration between businesses and academic institutions.

Source: Cyprus Mail