Overview
The ROC wants to position itself as a regional hub for innovation, research, and ICT, serving the entire Eastern Mediterranean and acting as a gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is making efforts to improve its ICT and cybersecurity infrastructure and promote the digital transformation of both the private and public sectors. To this end, the ROC established a Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy (DMRIDP) in February 2020 to coordinate and lead the effort. Prior to that, in February 2019, the ROC appointed its first Chief Scientist and in April 2018 it established the Digital Security Authority (DSA). The DSA is responsible for cybersecurity and oversees the National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). The Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulations (OCECPR) oversees all electronic communications regulations in the ROC. COVID-19 working conditions accelerated digital transformation in the private sector and prioritized e-government, e-learning, and e-justice projects for both funding and execution. The ROC pledged to use a large portion of the EU Resilience and Recovery Fund available to Cyprus to implement digitalization projects and has assigned over $300 million to the DMRIDP to do so. To support the development of start-ups and innovative projects, the ROC established a start-up visa regime, an IP regime, a tax relaxation scheme, and other incentives. In 2022, the ROC ranked 27th out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index. For more detailed information, interested companies can contact the DMRIDP or the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Cyprus). Under a municipal reform plan scheduled to begin in 2024, major ROC municipalities intend to implement several smart city solutions.
Leading Sub-Sectors and Opportunities
Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity
There is a growing demand for U.S. software, services, and platforms. Increased cybersecurity breaches led the ROC government to seek out higher-quality security capabilities and consulting services. Digital skills in the local market are limited, offering opportunities for U.S. consulting and training companies. All issued and upcoming tenders can be found on the ROC’s e-procurement website.
Transition to a Government Cloud Environment (G-cloud):
The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy (DMRIDP) plans to issue a tender to define and implement a new cloud computing (G-Cloud) policy for government systems and IT services. It will also need to purchase Data Center Facilities to host the G-Cloud and is looking to have new Data Center facilities constructed by private companies.
Development of a Smart Transportation System Using Digital Twin Technologies:
The Department of Public Works of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works released a tender for the supply, installation, and integration of ITS hardware equipment for the primary and interurban road network of Cyprus. The aim is to develop and implement an intelligent transport system to improve the management of mobility in urban areas, through the connection of 300 sensors with a central control system. The deadline for bid submissions is November 3, and the estimated cost of the project is five million euro (approximately $5.3 million).
Design and Implementation of Smart City Infrastructure (Central Platform) throughout Cyprus:
Design and implementation of three smart priority solutions (smart parking, smart lighting and smart waste collection management). The ROC will tender out projects related to smart parking, smart lights, and smart waste management systems for all municipalities, providing potential opportunities for U.S. companies.
Expansion / modernization of public procurement system:
Under the supervision of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, the Accountant General’s Office released a tender for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a complete solution covering the entire ROC public procurement cycle, through the development of a comprehensive eProcurement system and the provision of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). The project is co-financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) of the ROC and has an estimated value of five million euro. The deadline for bid submissions is October 31, 2023.
Supply, Installation, and Maintenance of an Urban Traffic Control System:
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works plans to issue a tender in mid-October 2023 for the supply, installation, and five-year maintenance of an urban traffic control system (UTC) for the ROC. Tender requirements include training and providing initial operational support to the contracting authority and updating existing systems. The tender notes a third-party dedicated facility will host the UTC system servers.
Electronic Recording of Court Hearings / Digital Audio Recording (DAR) System:
The Cyprus Judicial Service plans to procure a new DAR system to record hearing procedures. The purpose is to abolish printed files and maintain all hearing records in electronic format.
Resources
Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy
Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulations (Note: Website is only available in the Greek language).
Cyprus National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) (Note: Website is only available in the Greek language)