Cyprus lags behind in research infrastructure compared to other EU member states, despite the gradual improvement that it has showed in the past ten years. According to CYSTAT data, research expenditure in Cyprus in 2005 corresponded to 0.41% of GDP compared to 1.84% in the EU.
Sources told StockWatch that if Cyprus takes advantage of the European research funds, it will be able to avert the current situation and will reach it target so that expenditure in 2010 – 2011 correspond to 1.5% of GDP.
According to University of Cyprus Deputy Rector, Costas Christofides, the research activities on the island have improved in the past three years. “In 2005, they corresponded to 0.41% of GDP, in 2006 they reached 0.50% and this year they are expected to reach 0.60%. With the proper infrastructure, we are optimistic that we will meet our commitment to the EU for 1.5% of GDP in 2010 – 2011”, he said.
Mr. Christofides also referred to the agreement signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the research centre of Harvard University. “This agreement is a politico-economic scandal. Harvard has taken €50 million from Cyprus and has offered nothing. Such agreements take us back and do not contribute to the change of the current situation”, he added.
As for the funds that the University of Cyprus is able to offer for research, Mr. Christofides said that it receives £1.5 million per annum by the state but it is benefited by other European programs as well. The total research funds of the University correspond to one fifth of the total funds.
“In the next 7 – 8 years, we aim to attract €350 million, since according to the 7th European framework, the EU will grant €52.5 billion for research activities in this period. Based on Cyprus’s population, we have to absorb €500 million in the next few years”, he noted.
Figures
Same data show that the biggest part of research expenditure in Cyprus in 2005 focused on sciences (£11.0m), while agricultural sciences absorbed £5.9m, mechanical sciences £5.8m, social sciences £5.2m, humanitarian sciences £2.5m and medical sciences £1.5m.
45.3% of the research activity (£14.4m) was funded by the state resources compared to £1.19m or 43.8% in 2004, £6.9m by the University of Cyprus budget and £3.5m by sources abroad (including the £2.7m from EU funds). £7.0m derived from the private sector compared to £6.6m in 2004.
The number of persons involved in research activities in 2005 stood at 2,470 compared to 2,235 in 2004. In terms equivalent to full employment, the number is estimated at 1,157 persons, 442 or 38.2% of which were women. 25.1% of the research force held a PH.D.
Sources told StockWatch that if Cyprus takes advantage of the European research funds, it will be able to avert the current situation and will reach it target so that expenditure in 2010 – 2011 correspond to 1.5% of GDP.
According to University of Cyprus Deputy Rector, Costas Christofides, the research activities on the island have improved in the past three years. “In 2005, they corresponded to 0.41% of GDP, in 2006 they reached 0.50% and this year they are expected to reach 0.60%. With the proper infrastructure, we are optimistic that we will meet our commitment to the EU for 1.5% of GDP in 2010 – 2011”, he said.
Mr. Christofides also referred to the agreement signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the research centre of Harvard University. “This agreement is a politico-economic scandal. Harvard has taken €50 million from Cyprus and has offered nothing. Such agreements take us back and do not contribute to the change of the current situation”, he added.
As for the funds that the University of Cyprus is able to offer for research, Mr. Christofides said that it receives £1.5 million per annum by the state but it is benefited by other European programs as well. The total research funds of the University correspond to one fifth of the total funds.
“In the next 7 – 8 years, we aim to attract €350 million, since according to the 7th European framework, the EU will grant €52.5 billion for research activities in this period. Based on Cyprus’s population, we have to absorb €500 million in the next few years”, he noted.
Figures
Same data show that the biggest part of research expenditure in Cyprus in 2005 focused on sciences (£11.0m), while agricultural sciences absorbed £5.9m, mechanical sciences £5.8m, social sciences £5.2m, humanitarian sciences £2.5m and medical sciences £1.5m.
45.3% of the research activity (£14.4m) was funded by the state resources compared to £1.19m or 43.8% in 2004, £6.9m by the University of Cyprus budget and £3.5m by sources abroad (including the £2.7m from EU funds). £7.0m derived from the private sector compared to £6.6m in 2004.
The number of persons involved in research activities in 2005 stood at 2,470 compared to 2,235 in 2004. In terms equivalent to full employment, the number is estimated at 1,157 persons, 442 or 38.2% of which were women. 25.1% of the research force held a PH.D.
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