Deputy Minister of Research discusses efforts to create a modern digital state

Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Philippos Hadjizacharia, discussed the country's efforts to modernize its public administration and create a digital state at an event in Nicosia.

He stated that human capital was a crucial factor in achieving this goal and that the Deputy Ministry's priority was not simply to accelerate digital transformation but to promote sustainable digital policies that empower citizens. Hadjizacharia added that they are building secure and modern infrastructures, upgrading telecommunications, and investing in the digital capacity of the entire Cypriot society and the labor market.  “We are putting the country on a dynamic path to modernization, keeping up with global trends and rapid technological developments, and laying a solid foundation for upgrading the quality of life, and the quality of service to citizens and businesses,” he said. 

Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki spoke about the need for public service reform and how the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy was a step towards modernization. She noted that training civil servants in digital skills and updating outdated systems was essential for modernizing the public service.  She noted that there are very capable civil servants who want to do their job, but the procedures and technology in use, do not help them serve the purpose they want to serve.

International studies by Ernst & Young Cyprus show that younger generations, specifically Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012), are not interested in working in public service, while some current public servants are looking for more work flexibility and purpose, potentially leading to a high percentage of them leaving their jobs.

Source: CNA