Cyprus has intensified its efforts to expand its Research and Development (R&D) landscape through a recent visit to Indonesia.

Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides and Ambassador Nikos Panagiotou held high-level talks with leading Indonesian research officials in Jakarta, it was announced this week.

During the visit, Skourides met Laksana Tri Handoko, Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), at BRIN Headquarters.  

“Cyprus is keen on strengthening its research excellence and innovation ecosystem,” Skourides said.

He also spoke about the country’s recognition as a strong innovator on the European Innovation Scoreboard for the third consecutive year and its ranking as 27th on the Global innovation index.

Skourides detailed the National Research and Innovation Strategy 2024-2026, focusing on key areas such as digital technologies, energy, environment, climate change, agrifood, maritime, health, and space.  

“Cyprus has 3,500 researchers, 4,000 entrepreneurs, over 500 technology companies and startups, 12 universities, 20 research organisations, and seven centres of excellence,” he said.

He added that “collaboration with like-minded nations enables us to leverage our strong industrial base and transfer knowledge to society”.

Handoko outlined Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem, which includes 12 research organisations and 87 research centres.

He emphasised the country’s ambition to develop an integrated electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, aiming to become one of the world’s top three EV battery producers by 2027.  

“Research collaboration with Indonesia has the potential to create value for both ecosystems, future-proofing them against emerging challenges,” Skourides said. 

The Cypriot delegation also toured BRIN’s Agriculture and Food Science Park, hosted by Dwinita Wikan Utami, Head of the Research Centre for Horticultural and Estate Crops.

Discussions extended to the Hi Incubator, where CEO and Co-founder Daniel Tumewu explained the incubator’s partnerships with global technology hubs in London and Munich.  

According to Skourides, “Startups operating in unified environments can test products across distinct markets simultaneously, increasing speed, agility, and minimising risk.”

He elaborated on the importance of research, infrastructure, commercialisation, and innovation excellence, referring to these as the ‘4E’s” that drive successful ecosystems.

Further talks involved Ilham A. Habibie, Chief Executive of the National ICT Council, and Shinta Danuwardoyo, Head of the Permanent Committee for Digital Business, e-Commerce, and Startups Development at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).  

Habibie expressed interest in collaborating on sectors such as ShipTech, AgroTech, and HealthTech. Both parties agreed to follow up in early 2025.  

Skourides emphasised that Cyprus’ Vision 2035 aims to foster economic and societal growth through innovation.

“The Indonesian pharmaceutical industry, with 241 drug manufacturers and 17 raw drug industries, represents a significant opportunity for collaboration,” Skourides noted.  

“Leveraging AI to advance medicine and health solutions could accelerate R&D cycles, enabling faster transitions from lab to market.” 

BRIN Deputy Chairman for Human Resources of Science and Technology, Edy Giri Rachman Putra, and Head of Bureau for Legal and Cooperation, Mila Kencana, were also present at the meetings.  

The delegation’s itinerary included a visit to BRIN’s Agriculture and Food Science Park and research facilities, as well as further discussions with leading Indonesian research and innovation figures. 

These strategic meetings mark a decisive step in Cyprus’ ambition to strengthen its global innovation footprint.  

By partnering with Indonesia, Cyprus seeks to leverage shared expertise and resources to accelerate the development of innovative solutions, benefiting both societies.  

The agreements and insights gained lay a robust foundation for future joint ventures, ensuring both nations thrive in the evolving global innovation ecosystem.