Introduction

Bilateral Agreements or Protocols for Research and Technological Development are signed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of a second country.  The implementation of the actions foreseen in each Protocol of Cooperation is assigned to the Research Promotion Foundation.

The main aim of the Programme “Bilateral Cooperation” is the promotion of the cooperation and networking between Cypriot research organisations and enterprises and respective organisations form the other cooperating country, on selected thematic priorities, reflecting the mutual interests of the two countries.

Bilateral Agreements for Research and Technological Development has been signed so far with Greece, France, Slovenia, Italy, Romania and Egypt whereas preliminary discussions are under way for the conclusion of Agreements with a number of other countries, such China and Israel.

Based on the provisions of each Protocol, a Joint Scientific and Technological Cooperation Programme is launched by the RPF and the respective organisation of the other country, inviting all interested researchers / organisations to submit joint proposals for the implementation of specific research projects.

Usually, each side covers the expenses for the implementation of the project and the networking activities of their own researchers.  However, it is possible that for each Action different procedures for the approval / funding / monitoring of research projects can apply, since the Calls for Proposals have to be mutually agreed by the two sides.