digital ties — Cyprus and Poland are strengthening their digital ties, highlighted by a recent visit from Poland’s deputy prime minister and minister of digital affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, to the Research and Innovation Foundation in Nicosia. This significant meeting on January 15, 2026, coincided with Cyprus assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- This encounter not only reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Cyprus and Poland but also set a clear trajectory for future collaboration in digital technologies and scientific research.
The Polish delegation, which included high-ranking officials and experts, was welcomed by Demetris Skourides, chief scientist for research, innovation and technology, and chairman of the board at the Research and Innovation Foundation. The discussions centred around pivotal topics such as digital transition, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, aiming to boost cooperation in research between the two nations.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Both parties recognised the shared challenges they face and the remarkable opportunities for growth in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Skourides took the opportunity to showcase the achievements of the Research and Innovation Foundation, emphasising its strategic importance in enhancing the Cypriot economy and bolstering the national research ecosystem.
During the meeting, Gawkowski acknowledged Cyprus’ burgeoning technological momentum, laying the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential for joint projects that would benefit both countries.
As part of their exchange, symbolic gifts were presented that beautifully combined elements of tradition and modern technology. Skourides gifted Gawkowski items of Cypriot craftsmanship, created through digital tools and three-dimensional printing. This innovative approach was made possible through a partnership with the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology.
This initiative is part of a larger flagship project that emerged from an agreement between the Swedish Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus University of Technology. It highlights the digital repatriation of thousands of Cypriot cultural heritage objects that were excavated by the Swedish Cyprus Expedition between 1927 and 1931 and are currently housed abroad.
Through these efforts, Cyprus illustrates how advanced technology can serve as a means to preserve cultural history, facilitating the digital repatriation of important cultural assets and making them accessible on a global scale via the Open Access Europeana library.
The meeting saw participation from a high-level delegation from both countries, including key figures from the Research and Innovation Foundation such as CEO Theodoros Loukaidis, board vice-chairman Andreas Efstathiou, and board member Dr Konstantinos Kleovoulou. On the Polish side, the delegation included Poland’s ambassador to Cyprus, Marek Szczepanowski, and several senior officials from various ministries.
This encounter not only reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Cyprus and Poland but also set a clear trajectory for future collaboration in digital technologies and scientific research.
