DiGiNN: Driving digital transformation for Cyprus' SMEs and Public Organisations

The launch event of the European Digital Innovation Hub in Cyprus (DiGiNN) successfully took place on 26 October at The Cyprus Institute’s premises, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Philippos Hadjizacharias.

DiGiNN, which has the seal of approval of the European Commission, is a strategic partnership of leading digital technology champions, national industrial representation bodies, and the most important Cypriot organisations in the fields of high technology, research and entrepreneurship, such as the CYENS Center of Excellence, KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and PwC Cyprus, under the coordination of The Cyprus Institute.

The main goal of the Digital Innovation Hub in Cyprus is to accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises and the public sector, as well as to promote digital literacy.

In his welcome address, the President of The Cyprus Institute, Prof. Stavros Malas, highlighted the importance of establishing the first European Digital Innovation Hub in Cyprus. “Digital transformation is a ‘revolution’, and The Cyprus Institute could not be absent from this development,” he noted. At the same time, he assured that The Cyprus Institute will persist in its efforts to contribute to Cyprus's economic growth and competitiveness through synergies, both with society and industry.

In his address, Deputy Minsiter Hadjizacharias said that the Digital Innovation Hub will contribute to implementing the key aspects of the National Digital Strategy of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, such as digital transformation, training and up-skilling of individuals, and the use of funds for the digital upgrading of businesses, through the Digital Upgrading Plan of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.

The project coordinator, Dr Vassilis Tsakalos, presented the European Digital Innovation Hub and emphasised its significance for the Cypriot ecosystem in achieving higher digital maturity. He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation through DiGiNN and how it will assist Cypriot businesses in becoming more resilient and sustainable in today’s digital era.

Helena Rodrigues, the European Commission Project Officer, extended greetings on behalf of the European Commission. She wished DiGiNN every success and outlined the goals and expectations for the Digital Europe Initiative, assuring that the European Commission will support this important undertaking.

Within the framework of the event, an open discussion was also held, entitled: “Cyprus in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges”, with the participation of Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, Mayor of Nicosia, President of the Board of Directors of CYENS, Marios Tsiakkis, Secretary General of CCCI, Minos Georgakis, Director of Advisory Services of PwC Cyprus, and Dr Christos Panayiotou, Deputy Director of KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS).