Newsroom
Cyprus has what it takes to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI), but time is running out, says Theodoros Evgeniou, professor of technology and entrepreneurship at INSEAD, one of the world’s top business schools.
Speaking at the Digital Agenda 2025 conference in Nicosia, Evgeniou stressed that the country needs an integrated national strategy and that businesses must “start now” if Cyprus is to seize the opportunity.
“The point is not whether Cyprus can do it, it can,” he said. “The question is whether it will act fast enough, with the right mentality, leadership and strategy.”
The pillars of AI readiness
According to Evgeniou, successful adoption of AI depends on three pillars: data, talent and infrastructure.
He explained that it’s not just about collecting large volumes of data, what matters is quality, diversity, and governance, ensuring data is used responsibly and continuously improved.
On talent, he said companies must go beyond basic “AI tool training.”
“True AI literacy isn’t about knowing how to use tools, it’s about understanding their limits, risks and impact on productivity, competitiveness, and society.”
The biggest mistakes
Evgeniou warned against two common traps: mistaking “AI literacy” for technical training and the “wait and see” approach.
“Waiting to act because AI seems risky or complex is dangerous,” he said. “The real risk isn’t from AI itself, it’s from standing still while competitors move ahead.”
He urged companies to experiment, learn, and build their AI roadmap early, ideally with external guidance to navigate internal politics and institutional barriers.
Trust and transparency
While many demand that AI systems be explainable, Evgeniou said transparency doesn’t always mean technical understanding.
“We don’t ask patients to understand the chemistry of medicine. What matters is that the system works safely, responsibly and reliably,” he said.
Instead, he advocates for systematic testing, governance, and constant monitoring to ensure fairness and accountability.
Collaboration and education
Evgeniou highlighted the importance of cooperation between universities and businesses in Cyprus to boost AI literacy and practical innovation. He pointed to Greece’s example, where partnerships between universities and research centers have created innovation labs and startup support networks.
He said Cyprus could follow a similar model and expressed interest in working with local institutions to build a “competitive and sustainable AI ecosystem.”
His top three recommendations for Cyprus
Mobilize fast: Get all stakeholders -- government, academia, and industry -- working in the same direction.
Win the talent race: Attract top professionals, retain local talent, and invest in continuous training.
Build a strong governance framework: Create a team of experts from Cyprus and abroad to guide and oversee AI policy with transparency and speed.
“AI won’t take our jobs,” Evgeniou said. “But other countries using AI might.”
*Read the full interview by Dorita Yiannakou here, in Greek.
