Digitalisation of Defence is about the exploitation of advanced data analytics and Artificial Intelligence and geospatial technologies . We need to update our IT systems with consistent architecture , standards and processes and to adapt and integrate the old with the new . Also , digitalisation of Defence will facilitate timely , data-led decision making and will increase the speed and agility through which new digital solutions are made available .
Data-driven , inter-connected digital systems that can integrate easily and securely both internally within the Government and with our partners / allies are vital in order to identify and respond / react to new opportunities and threats faster than our adversaries .
The nature of military action is changing rapidly , with armed forces needing to be ready for – and effective in – pan-domain operations . This means connecting Defence not just across Sea , Land and Air , but also the emerging domains of Space and , Cyber and Electromagnetic , as well as partners across Government and allies across the world . This also demands the development of new skills , roles and culture across Defence development and training programs and tools .
( R & D in Defence ) Defence R & D has been viewed as an important contributor to national economic growth . It represents a significant share of most developed countries ’ R & D budgets while at the same time has influenced innovation in the broader civilian economy , for civilian use . Research on dual-use technologies has resulted at a significant number of commercial success and examples of major innovations in all range of economic and social activity . Products that are commonly used today have originated within the government and later integrated into civilian life such as computers , radar , nuclear power , semiconductors , jet engines , GPS , and the internet .
The effect of government-funded R & D on privately funded R & D is encouraged on the condition that there is a competent R & D ecosystem which is functions within a holistic framework of financial and policy instruments and incentives .
( Cyprus R & I Strategy – Priorities ) Cyprus recognises the importance of the research and innovation ( R & I ) sector as one of the key drivers for economic growth , social prosperity and security and has made significant efforts and reforms in recent years to enhance the R & I Governance system with outstanding results .
The R & I Strategy Framework 2019 -2023 , “ Innovate Cyprus ” aims to cultivate R & I culture , augment research capacity both in research infrastructures and human capital and facilitate the exploitation and commercialisation of research results , including the scaling-up of innovative companies . Additionally , among the priorities are the creation and enhancement of linkages between public and private research institutions , as well as linkages between academia and research organisations with the industry , at local and international level .
The aim of our policy is to strengthen links between research organisations and enterprises , commercialise research results , increase intensity in research & development ( R & D ) activity and investments by both public and private organisations , as well as to make all publicly funded research infrastructure accessible to the entire ecosystem . Furthermore , our policy aims to enhance financial support to start-ups , scale-ups , SMEs , internationalise the local research and innovation ( R & I ) ecosystem , develop local talent and attract talent from abroad to work in R & I with emphasis on specific thematic areas .
Specifically , reforms and investments currently in pace are intended to :
●
Promote policy measures , instruments and incentives to facilitate the utilisation of research results , enhance innovation and promote commercialisation of innovative solutions .
●
Allocate significant funds for businesses innovation and securing adequate access to funds and liquidity , especially by small- and medium- sised enterprises ( SMEs ) and start-ups , in order to maintain scalability
2 / 3