Opinion
By Yiannis Georgoulas
Cyprus has long sought to drive digital reform across various ministries, agencies, and central administration, but these efforts have largely fallen short. There are multiple reasons for this, which I’ve previously discussed, but the primary reason is the lack of a dedicated body for digital development. Some may wonder about the role of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy—yet the answer lies in its title.
This ministry sets policy but lacks the capacity to implement its own initiatives due to outdated structures. For this reason, it’s essential for the ministry to establish an executive arm similar to Greece's Information Society agency. Such an arm would be capable of executing the projects and policies initiated by the ministry. Creating this organization would require strategic planning, legislative support, and collaboration between public and private entities.
This new entity should set clear goals related to the country’s digital development. In coordination with the ministry, it would establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and timelines for projects. With a clear vision of how digital technology can boost society and the economy, it would be far easier to guide targeted actions toward a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. The team should be staffed with skilled professionals who have expertise across various technology and management domains, combining creativity with adaptability. This will be the recipe for success, as only with specialized knowledge can public sector tenders avoid frequent cancellations or failures, and foreign applications be effectively adapted to Cyprus.
To achieve this, we’ll need leaders with a strong background in technology and business administration, including strategic consultants, technology directors, software engineers, data analysts, and innovation and startup experts. A Cyprus Digital Development Agency could usher in a small revolution, accelerating the nation’s digital transformation.
Mr. Yiannis Georgoulas is a Strategy and Operations consultant
