Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy

Summary

The third Policy Axis aims to improve the competitiveness and resilience of the Cypriot economy. In addition to the other axes, it includes measures that contribute to the promotion of a new model of development and international competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, based on the results of the relevant study of the Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council.

Includes investments and reforms to expand the productive base by strengthening the primary and secondary sectors of the economy, improving competitiveness and the business environment, mainly by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), diversifying and strengthening the tourism product, modernizing public administration and local authorities, reform and improve the efficiency of the judiciary, fight corruption and enhance transparency, enhance research and innovation, and the resilience of the financial sector and the financial situation.

Total Budget

€ 422.3 million

Thematic Categories

  • Public Administration
  • Research, Technological Development and Innovation
  • Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness

Eligibility for Participation

  • Central Government
  • Financial Institutions
  • Large Enterprises
  • Legal Entities
  • Other Beneficiaries
  • Private Bodies
  • Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
  • Semi-governmental organisations
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
  • State-owned Enterprises
Programme/Sub-programme/Plan Calls
  • Scheme for Circular Economy in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

    Opened

    Code: 34142 | Identifier Code: Μeasure C3.1R4 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 02/07/2024 | End submission calls: 29/10/2024

    The Scheme’s main objective is to support new and existing small and medium enterprises through new circular economy investments to make their products, production processes and practices more environmentally friendly.

    The main objectives are:

    • Strengthening the degree of circularity of businesses and transforming the operating model of a business into a circular one.
    • Improving product design to create products that are easier to repair or more durable to save valuable resources.
    • The promotion of innovations that give a competitive advantage and provide a level of protection for people and the environment.
    • Providing consumers with innovative and longer-lasting products that save money and improve quality of life.
    • The creation of new jobs

  • Innovation Vouchers

    Closed

    Code: 33753 | Identifier Code: INNOVOUCHERS/0524 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 14/05/2024 | End submission calls: 09/10/2024

    «Innovation Vouchers» Programme aims to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to engage in research and innovation activities and to strengthen cooperation between enterprises and knowledge intensive organisations.

  • Scheme for Energy Upgrade and Enhancement of large enterprises competitiveness

    Closed

    Code: 33500 | Identifier Code: Measures C3.1I7 and C6.1I5 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 26/04/2024 | End submission calls: 30/09/2024

    The Scheme aims to support, develop and upgrade the Large Businesses that are established or will be established in Cyprus, including their energy upgrade. The specific objectives of the Scheme are:

    • The promotion of energy saving investments, as well as energy efficiency measures in existing facilities and production units.
    • The strengthening of existing large companies for the implementation of investments that will improve their technological level, production process, productivity and competitiveness.
    • The creation of new units and the stimulation of entrepreneurship.
    • The creation of new jobs and, by extension, strengthening the contribution of large companies to the economic development of the country.

    • The reinforcement of the degree of circularity of large enterprises and the transformation of the operating model of a large enterprise into a cyclical one.

  • Scheme for Modernisation and Digitalisation of Enterprises engaged in Manufacturing and Trading of Agricultural Products (2nd Call)

    Closed

    Code: 33263 | Identifier Code: C3.1I6 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 09/04/2024 | End submission calls: 30/09/2024

    The Scheme is included in the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Programme and will be funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Scheme aims to support existing and newly established SMEs engaged in the manufacturing and / or trading of agricultural products.The Scheme is adjusted and will be implemented under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2831 of 13thDecember 2023 (De Minimis) and (EC) No. 2022/2472 of 14th December 2022 (ABER). 

    Interested parties will be able to submit their applications through the online Grant Scheme System of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.

  • Scheme of incentives for Students’ Accommodation in the Walled City of Nicosia

    Opened

    Code: 32972 | Identifier Code: C[C3.4]-I[I6.c] - 3 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 28/02/2024 | End submission calls: 31/12/2024

    Objective of this Scheme is to provide incentives in the form of government funding to owners or tenants of existing buildings (with the signed consent of the owners) in the area covered by the Scheme. Purpose of the Scheme is the renovation or conservation of their properties with the primary goal of converting them into student residences or student rooms.

    The Department of Town Planning and Housing (DTPH) has been designated as the Implementing Agency of the Scheme.

  • Scheme of incentives for students’ accommodation in the walled city of Nicosia

    Closed

    Code: 31769 | Identifier Code: C3.4I6 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 04/12/2023 | End submission calls: 29/12/2023

    Objective of this Scheme is to provide incentives in the form of government funding to owners or tenants of existing buildings (with the signed consent of the owners) in the area covered by the Scheme. Purpose of the Scheme is the renovation or conservation of their properties with the primary goal of converting them into student residences or student rooms.
    The Department of Town Planning and Housing (DTPH) has been designated as the Implementing Agency of the Scheme.

  • Grant Scheme for the Establishment and Enrichment of Tourism Facilities and Services for Health, Wellness, Rehabilitation, Accessibility and Independent Assisted Living in Hotels and Tourist Accommodation Establishments with the aim of attracting Health and Wellness Tourism - 2023 Call

    Closed

    Code: 31525 | Identifier Code: C3.1I8 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 19/06/2023 | End submission calls: 29/09/2024

    Support investments in licensed hotel and tourist accommodation businesses for the creation of special facilities aimed at attracting health, wellness, rehabilitation, accessibility and independent assisted living tourism.

    Through them, the improvement of the competitiveness of the hotel sector is sought, with the ultimate goal of lengthening the tourist season and the inclusion of Cyprus in new market segments.

  • Incentive Scheme for the Upgrading / Renovation of restaurants and businesses selling Mediterranean food products, including those that are or wish to be included in Gastronomy label such as "Taste of Cyprus" - 2nd call

    Closed

    Code: 31522 | Identifier Code: C3.1I8 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 01/11/2023 | End submission calls: 08/01/2024

    The Deputy Ministry of Tourism announces the 2nd Call of the Incentive Scheme for the Renovation of restaurants and businesses selling traditional food products, under the Recovery and Resilience Fund, to support licensed catering establishments  and enterprises selling traditional food products.

  • Provision of Knowledge Transfer Support Services by the Central Knowledge Transfer Office - Path 3 – Open Call (RIF - KTO /PATH3/0523)

    Closed

    Code: 29145 | Identifier Code: C3.2I1 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 08/05/2023 | End submission calls: 29/09/2023

    OBJECTIVES

    Provision of KT & Commercialization Support Services by the central KTO experts to eligible Beneficiaries implementing RDI projects or activities which are:

    • RDI projects funded by RIF’s Calls for Proposals from 1/7/2019 onwards and not eligible under the Fast-Track or Direct Entry Call for Proposals for CKTO Services.
    • RDI projects or activities funded by other public or private resources, including own/internal funding.

  • DISRUPT

    Closed

    Code: 28007 | Identifier Code: DISRUPT/0123 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 20/01/2023 | End submission calls: 01/06/2023

    «DISRUPT» Programme aims to connect enterprises which develop cutting-edge innovations with the potential to create new or disrupt existing markets, with Venture Capitals who will support the further development and scale-up of these enterprises in international markets.

    Through the Programme, the RIF funding – grant will be combined with the VC investment, with the aim to support the successful penetration of beneficiaries in the international markets, and as result to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the Cypriot economy.

    1st Deadline: 1 June 2023, 13:00
    2nd Deadline: 1 December 2023, 13:00
    There is not a  3rd Deadline.

  • RESEARCH IN ENTERPRISES - ENTERPRISES/0223/Sub-Call2

    Closed

    Code: 27625 | Identifier Code: ENTERPRISES/0223/Sub-Call2 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 17/02/2023 | End submission calls: 24/04/2023

    The “Research in Enterprises” Programme aims at (a) enhancing the competitiveness of Cypriot enterprises thus resulting in making a contribution in the country’s economic growth, through the development of new products / services / production methods of high added value, or significantly enhanced products / services / production methods which will be commercially used, and (b) intensifying the participation of Cypriot enterprises in research activities resulting in raising the contribution of the private sector in the country’s RTDI (Research, Technological Development and Innovation) investments.

  • Research in Enterprises - ENTERPRISES/0223/Sub-Call1

    Closed

    Code: 27610 | Identifier Code: ENTERPRISES/0223/Sub-Call1 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 17/02/2023 | End submission calls: 24/04/2023

    The “Research in Enterprises” Programme aims at
    (a) enhancing the competitiveness of Cypriot enterprises thus resulting in making a contribution in the country’s economic growth, through the development of new products / services / production methods of high added value, or significantly enhanced products / services / production methods which will be commercially used, and
    (b) intensifying the participation of Cypriot enterprises in research activities resulting in raising the contribution of the private sector in the country’s RTDI (Research, Technological Development and Innovation) investments.

  • Aid Scheme for Genetic Improvement of the Cyprus Sheep and Goat Population (Genetic improvement of the Cyprus sheep and goat populations)

    Closed

    Code: 27531 | Identifier Code: Μesure C3.1R3 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 07/03/2023 | End submission calls: 12/05/2023

    The aid scheme “Genetic improvement of the Cyprus sheep and goat population”, aims to upgrade the sheep and goat farming sector in Cyprus by granting targeted subsidies to sheep and/or goat breeders as well as specific genetic evaluation services, improved reproductive and overall livestock and breeding unit management. These services will be provided by the ARI and are part of the Funding program plan, which is being implemented within the context of C3.1R3 of the RRP.

  • Incentive Scheme for the Upgrade of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations in Rural, Mountainous and Remote Areas to Modernize and Improve the Competitiveness of the Tourism Product - Call 2023

    Closed

    Code: 27117 | Identifier Code: C3.1I8 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 14/02/2023 | End submission calls: 01/12/2023

    The Deputy Ministry of Tourism announces the 1st Call of Incentive Scheme for the Upgrade of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations in Rural, Mountainous and Remote Areas to Modernize and Improve the Competitiveness of the Tourism Product, under the Recovery and Resilience Fund, to improve the competitiveness of the hotel sector by adding, improving and enriching the composition of the product in the mountains, the countryside and remote areas, thus aiming to extend the tourist season and penetrate new markets.

  • Scheme for the Digital Upgrade of Enterprises

    Closed

    Code: 27114 | Identifier Code: (Measure C3.3I4) | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 07/03/2023 | End submission calls: 31/03/2023

    The Scheme aims to encourage investments in digital entrepreneurship and to strengthen the degree of integration of digital technology in existing or new SMEs, thus contributing to the strategic objectives of the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) to strengthen and accelerate the digital transition of the Cypriot economy. The main objectives of the Scheme are:

    • The contribution to the digital transformation of the Cypriot economy
    • The promotion of digital entrepreneurship.
    • The increase in the number / percentage of small and medium enterprises that use information and communication technologies, including the field of e-commerce.
    • Strengthening the digital identity of businesses.
    • The creation of new opportunities for businesses through digital transformation.

    The promotion of digital technology actions and advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain, cloud computing and big data.

  • New Call for Proposals of the "Dual Use Technologies" Program (DUAL USE/0922)

    Closed

    Code: 24197 | Identifier Code: DUAL USE/0722 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 07/09/2022 | End submission calls: 09/11/2022

    The “Dual-Use Technologies” Program aims to promote the research and development of dual-use technologies for civilian-type applications, i.e. for commercial or even social, non-military purposes.

  • New Call for Proposals of the "Classified Laboratories - Dual Use Technologies" Program (CLABS/0922)

    Closed

    Code: 24193 | Identifier Code: RRP Measure C3.2I4 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 07/09/2022 | End submission calls: 17/05/2024

    The “Classified Laboratories – Dual Use Technologies” Program aims to create new or upgrade existing classified laboratories, which can be utilized in the implementation of research and development activities of dual use technologies.

  • Innovation Vouchers

    Closed

    Code: 23161 | Identifier Code: INNOVOUCHERS/0722 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 04/07/2022 | End submission calls: 16/12/2022

    «Innovation Vouchers» Programme aims to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to engage in research and innovation activities and to strengthen cooperation between enterprises and knowledge intensive organizations. SMEs will be  supported to develop innovative solutions in order to address challenges or problems they face, through the transfer of know-how from knowledge intensive organizations and access to laboratory infrastructures.

    Furthermore, the Programme aims to the exploitation of academic research by the industry through the provision of advisory services by Research Organisations to enterprises, the creation of appropriate conditions for cooperation, and the increase of private expenditure in Academic and Research Organisations.

    Award of Innovation Vouchers also seeks to contribute to the mitigation of one of the major challenges encountered during the implementation of research and innovation funding schemes and measures, which is the difficulty to be exploited by a large number of SMEs.

  • Incentive Scheme for the Revival of countryside, mountainous and remote areas through the creation of Authentic Experiences to enrich the tourism product - 2022 Call

    Closed

    Code: 22097 | Identifier Code: C3.1I8 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 20/06/2022 | End submission calls: 30/11/2022

    The Deputy Ministry of Tourism announces the 1st Call of the Incentive Scheme for the Revival of countryside, mountainous and remote areas through the creation of Authentic Experiences to enrich the tourism product, under the Recovery and Resilience Fund, to support Local Authorities and natural or legal persons who are active in the fields of gastronomy, handicrafts and creative arts, as well as alternative tourism and rural activities.

  • Scheme of incentives for students’ accommodation in the walled city of Nicosia

    Closed

    Code: 21351 | Identifier Code: C3.416 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 02/05/2022 | End submission calls: 30/11/2022

    Objective of this Scheme is the provision of incentives to property owners or tenants (with signed authorisation by the owners) for retrofitting existing buildings or for the construction of new buildings with the aim of creating student accommodation in the area covered by this Scheme. The incentives will be provided in the format of financial assistance by the Government.

  • Incentive Scheme for the Renovation of restaurants and businesses selling Mediterranean food products

    Closed

    Code: 21320 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 20/04/2022 | End submission calls: 30/11/2022

    The Deputy Ministry of Tourism announces the 1st Call of the Incentive Scheme for the Renovation of restaurants and businesses selling traditional food products, under the Recovery and Resilience Fund, to support licensed catering establishments offering Cypriot gastronomy dishes and enterprises selling traditional food products.

  • Promotion of Circular Economy in Hotels

    Closed

    Code: 21199 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 28/04/2022 | End submission calls: 31/07/2022

    The purpose of the Measure is to guide and facilitate the transition of Cypriot hotels to a green and circular economy. The Measure will provide consulting services, including among others, the development of skills through workshops, training programmes, professional guidance, and certification with the Circular Economy Certification Scheme which will be developed during the implementation of the Measure.

    Information regarding the services to be provided through the Silver and Golf Circle of services, can be found in the Implementation Guide of the Measure and on the website www.circularhotels.com.cy.

  • CO-DEVELOP Programme – ICT-Health

    Closed

    Code: 20382 | Identifier Code: CODEVELOP-ICT-HEALTH/0322 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 16/03/2022 | End submission calls: 19/05/2022

    The “CO-DEVELOP” Programme aims to enhance the effective collaboration between enterprises and the research community, with the aim of jointly identifying challenges and jointly designing and implementing research and development projects to develop new cost-effective solutions to address these challenges. In the context of effective collaboration, the sharing of resources and infrastructure and the mobility of staff are expected, among other things, in order to enable the technology transfer and the exchange of knowledge.

    The ultimate objective is bridging the gap between academia and industry and the utilization of the existing know-how to meet specific needs and challenges, thus contributing to the strengthening of the competitiveness of the economy and the improvement of the quality of life in Cyprus.

  • CO-DEVELOP Programme - Green Transition

    Closed

    Code: 20377 | Identifier Code: CODEVELOP-GT/0322 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 16/03/2022 | End submission calls: 17/05/2022

    The “CO-DEVELOP” Programme aims to enhance the effective collaboration between enterprises and the research community, with the aim of jointly identifying challenges and jointly designing and implementing research and development projects to develop new cost-effective solutions to address these challenges. In the context of effective collaboration, the sharing of resources and infrastructure and the mobility of staff are expected, among other things, in order to enable the technology transfer and the exchange of knowledge.

    The ultimate objective is bridging the gap between academia and industry and the utilization of the existing know-how to meet specific needs and challenges, thus contributing to the strengthening of the competitiveness of the economy and the improvement of the quality of life in Cyprus.

  • Scheme for Modernisation and Digitalisation of Enterprises engaged in Manufacturing and Trading of Agricultural Products

    Closed

    Code: 19699 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 01/03/2022 | End submission calls: 24/06/2022

    The Scheme is included in Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Programme and will be funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Scheme aims to support existing and newly established SMEs engaged in the manufacturing and / or trading of agricultural products. Main objectives are:

    • Creation of new and expansion of existing businesses
    • Improvement of manufacturing and trading procedures
    • Increase the amount of SMEs which use ICT
    • Development of new products with high added value

    Creation of new jobs, especially in rural areas.

  • RESTART 2016-2020 Programmes / Call for Proposals for the "Development and Promotion of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by Existing Enterprises (INNOVATE)" Programme

    Closed

    Code: 16858 | Identifier Code: INNOVATE/1221 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 14/12/2021 | End submission calls: 22/02/2022

    “Development and Promotion of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by Existing Enterprises (INNOVATE)” Programme aims to support existing enterprises from all activity sectors, that will invest in research and innovation, for the development of competitive innovative products or services with quick global market penetration prospects. Moreover, the Programme facilitates the mobility of private investment funds for the support of rapid development innovative businesses.

  • RESTART 2016-2020 Programmes / Call for Proposals for the "Development of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by STARTUPs (SEED)" Programme

    Closed

    Code: 16850 | Identifier Code: SEED/1221 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 14/12/2021 | End submission calls: 18/02/2022

    “Development of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by STARTUPs (SEED)” Programme aims to support the rapid development of dynamic and innovative STARTUPs which intend to develop internationally competitive products or services, as well as to mobilize private investment funds for this purpose.

  • RESTART 2016-2020 Programmes / Call for Proposals for the "Creation and Initial Development of Startups with International Orientation (PRE-SEED)" Programme

    Closed

    Code: 16847 | Identifier Code: PRE-SEED/1221 | Programme name: Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan – Axis 3. Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the economy | Start submission calls: 14/12/2021 | End submission calls: 14/02/2022

    “Creation and Initial Development of STARTUPs with International Orientation (PRE-SEED)” Programme aims to support the creation and initial development of innovative STARTUPs which intend to develop innovative products and services with global market penetration prospects.