What are the association’s main strategic goals for the next two years?

Our primary goal is to increase the value for our members through synergies among Cypriot companies, as well as through collaborations abroad.

We will be much more active in creating and supporting AI communities, strengthening innovation, and connecting technology with education. There is a serious shortage of IT professionals and an even greater lack of women in technology. We need to start from a young age—bringing more children, especially girls, closer to technology—and cultivate both technical and soft skills.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge for the ICT sector in Cyprus today?

The biggest challenge is the speed of adaptation and investment in new technologies. We are a small country, but that can be an advantage. With small, targeted steps, we can achieve a significant impact. Companies must continuously invest in technology and innovation. Today, inaction costs more than investment.

Where does Cyprus stand today in terms of digital maturity?

Progress has been made, but the pace is not sufficient. There is advancement in certain areas, but overall, a faster and more decisive approach is needed.

Which areas of the public and private sectors require immediate digital acceleration?

Both the public and private sectors need to significantly increase the speed of decision-making. In the public sector, RFP processes for implementing new projects are excessively delayed. Our companies can deliver modern, state-of-the-art solutions quickly, yet it often takes two to five years to complete procedures. As a result, we operate with outdated systems, even though everyone knows a new system is coming. When problems arise, responsibility is often placed on the IT company. In reality, the issue is frequently the delay in decision-making. This mindset must change.

In the private sector, particularly among SMEs, there is also hesitation in adopting AI and automation. If we do not increase speed on both sides, we cannot speak of real acceleration.

How can CITEA contribute more effectively to the digital transformation of the state?

CITEA will work closely with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, as well as the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, by submitting practical and actionable recommendations. Our goal is real change—not theoretical discussions. Both come from the market and have strong technical and practical understanding, which facilitates meaningful dialogue and allows us to focus on implementation.

However, we do not want to simply collaborate. We are calling for our association to be actively present and institutionally involved in all committees, councils, and visits related to technology and digital transformation. Our role must be substantial and ongoing. We will bring market expertise, identify bottlenecks, and propose concrete solutions that lead to measurable results.