In March 2020, Research and Innovation related issues were approached in an integrated and comprehensive manner under the competencies of the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, and the operation of the Research and Innovation Foundation as the executive arm of the system
Image Source: https://chiefscientist.gov.cy/strategy-and-policy/governance/
According to the official page of the Chief scientist for research and innovation of the Republic of Cyprus, the levels of the governance are described as follows:
Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy
The Deputy Ministry for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy is the competent authority for the design and implementation of the Government ‘s policy for Research and Innovation (R&I).
By supporting scientific research, investing in innovative entrepreneurship and implementing an ambitious digital transformation reform, the Deputy Ministry aspires to develop a modern and efficient state, competitive at European and international level, and a dynamic digital economy, where every citizen and every business will be able to grow and prosper.
National Board for Research and Innovation
The National Board for Research and Innovation (NBRI) is an advisory body to the President of the Republic for defining R&I strategy. NBRI is responsible for promoting and implementing the National Strategic Framework for R&I, for submitting proposals and suggestions on strategy issues and for monitoring the implementation of actions adopted at policy level. NBRI meets on a regular basis and its work is supported by the competent Directorate of the Deputy Ministry for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, acting as NBRI secretariat. The Chief Scientist is an ex officio member of NBRI and facilitates its work by formulating recommendations on the national R&I strategy, policy and the structure and operation of the national R&I governance system.
Chief Scientist
The Chief Scientist coordinates and supervises the formulation of the national R&I policy and the overall operation of the National R&I Governance System, including the departments and bodies involved in both the policy and operational levels. In addition, the Chief Scientist participates as ex-officio member and supports the work of NBRI to formulate proposals for the national R&I Strategy and its implementation and proposals regarding the structure and operation of the national R&I governance system.
Committee of Ministry Research and Innovation (R&I) Coordinators
The Committee of Ministry Research and Innovation (R&I) Coordinators operates under the Chairmanship of the Chief Scientist. Each Ministry appoints a R&I Coordinator as a focal point of communication for Research and Innovation matters.
Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF)
RIF is the executive arm of the National R&I Governance System.
Open Science, Open Access to research outputs will play a key role to the achievement of the vision of the Republic. In March 2020 the Minister of Finance stated that "Opening our data is providing an unlimited perspective on research, innovation, political accountability, development, democracy and progress. The richness of data that the government produces and holds is not the property of the Government and should not be locked in Ministry drawer, instead, it belongs to the citizens." The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital policy announced at the same event that the issue of Openness is a crucial point to the fulfilment of the tasks of his deputy ministry.