Cyprus space strategy (2022-2027)

The Cyprus Space Strategy 2022-2027 focuses on leveraging space technologies to foster economic growth and enhance national security. The strategy was developed by the Department of Electronic Communications within the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy. It aims to coordinate the country’s space policy and foster a vibrant space ecosystem.

Key Components of the Strategy:

Vision: Cyprus aims to become a hub for information society based on modern space technologies, positioning itself as a leader in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This includes strengthening its regional role in space communications, earth observation, and research.

Objectives:

• Economic diversification: Expanding beyond traditional sectors like tourism and shipping by developing space technologies and services, enhancing innovation, and integrating space data with industries such as agriculture and maritime.
• International cooperation: Strengthening ties with international organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) to boost the country’s space capabilities.

Strategic pillars:

• Education and skills: Developing educational pathways in space technologies to nurture a pool of highly skilled graduates. This includes introducing astronomy and space-related subjects in schools and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
• Space supply chain: Encouraging local businesses and research institutions to enter the global space supply chain. The strategy supports start-ups, SMEs, and research institutions through initiatives like the creation of a Space Business Incubation Center and collaboration with ESA.
• International impact: Enhancing Cyprus’s presence in global space markets through partnerships and cooperation, positioning Cyprus as a vital player in satellite communications, earth observation, and space-based research.

Research and innovation:

• The strategy emphasises the commercialisation of space-related research, with a focus on building Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and supporting collaboration between academia and industry.
• Earth observation and national security: Utilising earth observation technologies to address environmental challenges, disaster management, and national security issues. The government will become an early adopter of space applications to enhance public services in areas such as climate monitoring and emergency management.
• ESA associate membership: Cyprus is working towards becoming an Associate Member of ESA, which would allow it to play a more significant role in the European space ecosystem and benefit from technical expertise and funding.

Goals by 2027:

• Establish a Space Business Incubation Center and support at least 10 start-ups or spin-offs.
• Increase the participation of Cypriot companies in international space supply chains.
• Develop new satellite communications infrastructures and enhance the existing ones.
• Foster international cooperation, particularly with ESA and other EU member states.
• Promote education and research in space technologies and applications.

The strategy places a strong emphasis on international collaboration, education, research, and creating a supportive environment for space-related businesses.