By Peter Stevenson
CYPRUS needs to enter the digital era sooner rather than later as it is believed that by 2015, some 90 per cent of jobs will require some form of computer knowledge.
It was with that in mind that in October of last year, the Cabinet appointed the commerce ministry’s permanent-secretary, Stelios Himonas as the island’s digital champion.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday to announce the government’s measures on how to increase access and knowledge of the internet, government spokesman Christos Stylianides said it was imperative Cyprus invests in digital development.
“Cyprus needs to join the digital era as soon as possible to help it become more competitive with other EU countries,” he said.
Stylianides revealed that a survey showed that just over 36 per cent of Cypriots have never used a computer which is significantly higher than the EU average of 22.4 per cent.
“Recent developments mean we need to implement measures which will kick-start the economy by learning to produce more with less,” the government spokesman said.
Stylianides said he believes it is imperative Cyprus invests in digital development and Himonas’ appointment is a move in the right direction.
“He has been tasked to create a method to improve technological advancements which will in turn begin a technological revolution,” he said.
Himonas explained that the internet and access to the internet plays a vital role in contributing to a country’s GDP.
“The internet’s contribution to GDP in developed countries comes to between 10 and 30 per cent while in developing countries it only contributes between 1 and 5 per cent,” he said.
He added that research carried out by Microsoft shows that lifetime earnings are directly affected by people’s access to the internet.
“It was calculated that without any internet knowledge, the average person’s lifetime income would come to around €935,000 while for someone who has internet knowledge their lifetime income would reach €1.4 million,” Himonas said.
He added that technological advances could create new job opportunities and that despite positions becoming obsolete with more computer advancements, it is believed that in the future for every two jobs lost, five will be created.
“It is estimated that if the government becomes fully digital then it could save up to €700,000 a year and by 2015, some 900,000 jobs will have been created as everything becomes computerised,” he said.
Himonas added that technological advancements would also help improve the quality of life of people with special needs and the elderly and it will help reduce pollution.
The government has managed to increase internet coverage on the island although it is well below the EU member states average, he said.
“In 2005, 32 per cent of the Cypriot population had access to the internet, while last year that number rose to 62 per cent but that is still significantly less than the average of 76 per cent within the EU,” he revealed.
The permanent secretary explained that the measures he was championing would include the creation of Wi-Fi hotspots in mountainous communities. The government will train local ambassadors who will be able to then train the public.
They will be shown how to access the internet and how to use government sites like the Road Transport Department’s site for paying road tax.
The programme will also increase hotspots in frequently populated areas like malls and beaches but also in archaeological and religious places where tourists visit. It will also help vulnerable groups by teaching them how to use the internet to help improve their quality of life.
There will also be competitions for students to create apps or formulate ideas, with the winners receiving funding or scholarships to universities.
Himonas revealed the government had spoken to the Future Worlds Centre about the creation of a Cyprus Wiki using the Media Wiki platform. Talks have already begun with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to build a base for the page.
“There will be no cost to the government for all of these measures and we hope they will be complete by the end of the year,” he said. One of the main aims is to improve agro-tourism which Himonas believes can benefit greatly from the programme.