Cyprus to Invest €5 Million in AI to Tackle Public Sector Challenges
-
Loading... - Hannele Kivi
- 14 Mar 2025
- 40 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
At the recent Demystifying and Unleashing AI conference in Nicosia, Deputy Minister of Research Nicodemos Damianou emphasized the critical importance of investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to address challenges within the public sector. He highlighted AI's potential to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and foster growth across both public and private sectors.
Damianou stressed the need for a strategic approach to ensure that AI applications align with social and ethical standards, ultimately benefiting humanity. He noted that Cyprus has made significant strides in this area, having already informed the European Commission about the national public authorities responsible for enforcing AI compliance.
In addition, the deputy minister announced the establishment of a national AI working group, chaired by the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology of Cyprus. This group comprises experts from academia and industry, aimed at guiding the development and implementation of AI initiatives.
A key highlight of the conference was Damianou's announcement of a forthcoming funding program designed to enhance government services through AI. He revealed that €5 million will be allocated through the Research and Innovation Foundation to support the local ecosystem in developing innovative AI solutions tailored to address specific challenges faced by the public sector.
The identification of these challenges is currently underway, with consultations taking place among various ministries and government agencies. Damianou expressed optimism about the potential of AI, stating, “The possibilities are limitless, and the choices we make today will determine the world of tomorrow.”
This investment in AI reflects Cyprus's commitment to leveraging technology to improve public services and enhance the overall efficiency of government operations, positioning the island as a forward-thinking player in the digital landscape.
