National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

Achieving the target of 0.75% expenditure of GDP on R&D by 2010
Achieving the 0.75% target by 2010 is proving to be a major challenge to be achieved by
Malta. Government intends to embark on the implementation of a series of measures with a
view to accomplish this target. Measures which will contribute toward this target include:
• strengthening the research infrastructure at the University of Malta;
• establishing bursaries for PhD research students;
• increase the funds available for Malta’s National R&I funding programme as a means of
increasing national investment in R&D
• the implementation of three research projects are planned. These projects will involve
industry-academia consortia working on common issues of relevance. Two thirds of the
funds earmarked for these projects are envisaged to be utilized by end 2010.
Supporting innovation through public procurement
Malta will compile an action plan for procurement with the engagement of relevant experts,
facilitation of discussions and collaboration between government entities and involvement of
stakeholders including SMEs are foreseen. It is envisaged that one pilot tender will be
launched by 2010.
Participation in joint programming activities
On the objective of promoting increased internationalisation of research through joint
programming, Malta plans to participate in a joint call in one of the identified national priority
research areas where there is an indication of significant take-up at national level.
Science popularisation measures
A project promoting science and technology among students and the general public as well
as the strengthening guidance and counselling services to encourage uptake of these
subjects will be undertaken. The ultimate aim is to increase the availability of skilled
employees in the areas of science, technology and engineering.
Targeted research strategies for identified priority areas
For the period covered by this NRP, it is foreseen that targeted research strategies for two of
the four priority areas will be formulated, and partly implemented. The two areas and related
activities are as follows:
• Increased efforts towards more and better research in the manufacturing sector:
during the timeframe of the NRP a project to introduce the local industry to the benefits
of research and innovation, as well as strengthening liaison and collaboration between
industry and academia will be implemented. The project includes a number of activities
in this regard, such as the establishment of a manufacturing platform to serve as a
steering committee for the initiative, the formulation of a manufacturing research
strategy, the realisation of three research projects through industry-academia consortia
as well as dissemination and training.
• Formulation of a health research strategy and action plan: Malta is embarking on
the development of a Health Research Strategy and Action Plan in order to chart the
way forward for local research activity in this sector. This document will include as its
main deliverables a manageable number of recommended actions to be taken over the
next four years and the identification of concrete opportunities for local health research
which will have a clear return on investment in the short to medium term.
ICT
The Maltese Government has been heavily investing in the ICT sector with a view to establish
Malta as a centre of excellence in the area of ICT.
Malta National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - 63 -