Mr. Jyrki Katainen, Vice President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness of the European Commission, visits CyI
The Vice President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness of the European Commission, Mr. Jyrki Katainen, visited The Cyprus Institute on Monday, 23rd March 2015. Mr. Katainen was accompanied by members of his cabinet, Mr. George Markopouliotis - Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus and Mr. Eleftherios Eleftheriou from the European Commission Representation in Cyprus. The Director of the Research Promotion Foundation Dr. Vasilis Tsakalos was also present.
The visit to CyI, coincided with Mr. Katainen’s official visit to Cyprus. During the meeting the Vice President was briefed about the pioneering research carried out at the Institute. Special emphasis was given on three research laboratories that received funding from the EU Development Funds, through the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation. The President of CyI, Prof. Costas N. Papanicolas presented to Mr. Katainen the Mobile Archaeological Laboratory, the Unmanned Aircraft Research Facility, and the CyTera Supercomputer. Following the briefing the delegation was toured to the three laboratories, where the scientific staff presented the latest developments of the programs.
The meeting was addressed by Dr Andreas Pittas, Chair of CyI’s Executive Committee. Prof. Dan-Olof Riska, Chair of the Institute’s Board of Trustees also addressed the meeting via video message, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of The Cyprus Institute. The meeting was also attended by the Trustees Mr. George Vassiliou, Dr Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, Mr. Sotirios Zackheos and Dr Petros Kareklas.
Prof. Riska stated that the Institute is a young organization with a research and educational mission, which focuses on innovative research in areas, with exceptional societal impact and visibility. He added that CyI deserves the support of the International Community and especially that of the European Union. Dr Pittas noted that Institute’s vision is to help transform Cyprus into a knowledge-based economy, and in doing so, to advance the welfare of the island and the region. We are committed, he said, to fueling economic growth and job creation, making a difference through Research, Technology, and Innovation.
Mr. Katainen stated that CyI may become part of the future restructure and growth of the local economy at large. He stressed that the Institute’s international nature, provides the potentials to further grow and succeed. Its strength lies in its focus on key research areas Mr. Katainen said. In many research entities, he continued, the problem is that the research institutes want to cover everything, and if you don’t prioritise then you don’t get the best possible result.
