The architecture of Cyprus’s digital infrastructure, data, and IT systems is being redesigned and modernized through an Enterprise Architecture Study in collaboration with the German state organization PD – Berater der öffentlichen Hand GmbH.

An Enterprise Architecture Team has been formed within the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, comprising experts from PD and officials from the Deputy Ministry. This team is gathering all relevant data and conducting a comprehensive study with timelines for the project’s implementation.

PD is renowned for offering strategic and technical planning services, as well as implementing digital transformation programs for ministries and other public services in Germany. The organization also manages digitization projects, supports their operational management, and provides specialized training programs.

The collaboration stems from a memorandum signed in 2022 by former Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides during his meeting with Germany's Finance Minister. PD plays a key role in advancing reform initiatives, managing projects, and digitizing processes within the public and wider public sectors.

Cyprus is among the first countries to join a developing network that provides specialized services for modernizing and digitizing the public sector.

According to Brief, the study focuses on developing a holistic digital government architecture based on international best practices and standards. Additionally, it explores creating a comprehensive governance framework to ensure the effective management, regular review, and continuous improvement of the agreed-upon applications, data, and technology architecture.

The Deputy Ministry is simultaneously designing and implementing critical projects, including:

• Government Cloud (G-Cloud)

• Modernization of the customs and electronic payments system

• Development of a new system for the Companies Registry

• An ERP system for the Treasury

• Upgraded taxation systems for the Department of Taxation

These projects, part of Cyprus's e-governance strategy, are estimated to cost over €300 million, with €170 million funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The Ministry’s policies aim to digitally transform the central government, enhancing the quality of public administration services. Older systems with outdated software or hardware are being upgraded or replaced to meet the evolving needs of digital governance.

Notable completed projects include:

• The Ippodamos System for the Department of Urban Planning

• A new Online Payment System for Social Insurance Contributions (Sisnet)

• The Government Unified Network (GUN), which upgraded the entire government network infrastructure