A strategy linked to research and innovation has been launched which will build on the first one published for the years 2014-2020. It will be implemented in six areas through a synergy between government, academia, commerce and civil society. ‘Malta’s Smart Specialization Strategy’ includes a thematic committee in each field to strengthen its implementation.
These committees report to the ministry while the Maltese Council for Science and Technology offers technical support to each thematic committee.
The six thematic committees are linked to health, sustainable use of resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation, smart manufacturing, maritime technology, aviation and aerospace and -future digital technologies. These areas are all fundamental to economic growth and have the potential to grow and strengthen through innovation.
The recommendations of the committees will be able to be discussed at the highest political levels and thus the vision of governance will continue to be strengthened as in practice there will also be the direct involvement of research.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti claimed that through this strategy, the vision for Malta of tomorrow is clear. “We want a safer, stronger and more successful nation, built on principles of good governance and sustainable development that is ready to contribute towards an ecological and digital economy as well as strengthen the well-being of both present and future generations .” He also said that “This strategy has an important role in the implementation of this vision and as a government we are determined to accomplish this”.
The Executive Chairman of the Maltese Council for Science and Technology Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said, “We are happy and proud of the collective efforts that have led us to this launch and we as the Maltese Council for Science and Technology are there to play our full part by supporting the ministry to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy”.
The identification of the thematic areas remained a main objective throughout the strategy development process and was done with special attention in the areas where Malta has greater potential for innovation. The thematic areas selected in the new strategy are therefore the result of a detailed analysis and work by all the parties concerned.
