EIT Community RIS Hub Malta
Accelerating Innovation in Malta
Malta’s innovation landscape is evolving, with the European Innovation Scoreboard indicating a faster improvement in our performance compared to the EU average. Yet, Malta remains classified as a ‘Moderate Innovator,’ achieving 85.8% of the EU average. This status highlights the untapped potential in entrepreneurship, new technologies, and business innovation.
The European Innovation Scoreboard is invaluable in identifying both strengths and areas for improvement within Malta’s innovation framework. These insights are crucial as we face global climate challenges and transformative technological shifts that reshape economic and societal structures.
Malta’s innovation weaknesses include insufficient support for research and development from both the government and private sectors, alongside a need for enhanced educational initiatives on the significance of innovation. The Scoreboard’s data reveals concerning trends, such as a significant long-term decline in support and financing for innovation, with the performance of Maltese SMEs in innovation falling by over 70%, now at just 57% of the EU average.
To reverse these trends, a committed effort from all stakeholders, including the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), is essential. As the EIT Community Officer in Malta, I see first-hand the benefits of our initiatives, which have supported over 170 local innovators and provided financial aid to more than 20 new ventures. Our Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), focusing on sectors like Climate and Urban Mobility, actively collaborate with local entities such as MCAST and the Project Agele Foundation to foster a national, collaborative approach to innovation.
Ultimately, Malta’s continued progress in innovation is vital for our future prosperity. By uniting our efforts, we can unlock Malta’s full innovation potential, with the EIT Community in Malta dedicated to accelerating this progress.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
Advancing innovation capacities in Malta is crucial for the nation’s sustainable development and global competitiveness. As a small island nation, Malta faces the challenge of limited natural resources, making innovation a key driver of economic growth. By investing in innovation, Malta can diversify its economy, reduce dependency on traditional sectors, and create a knowledge-based economy that thrives on creativity and technological advancements. Improving innovation capacities in Malta will attract foreign investment, foster entrepreneurship, and create a supportive environment for startups. This, in turn, can lead to job creation, higher living standards, and increased opportunities for the local workforce. Innovation is also pivotal in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and healthcare, and Malta’s active participation in cutting-edge research and development can contribute to global solutions.
The EIT encompasses several Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), including EIT Digital, EIT Food, EIT Health, EIT Innoenergy, EIT Manufacturing, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Culture and Creativity, each contributing to Malta’s sector-specific advancements and Smart Specialisation Strategy. The hub ensures the representation of all KICs and promotes active participation by Maltese stakeholders in EIT’s extensive activities. By offering insights into various initiatives and resources available through the EIT network, the hub supports a wide range of beneficiaries, from individual innovators to large organisations.
The hub operates from Business Labs Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara, BKR 9037, Malta.
On our LinkedIn page EIT Community RIS Hub Malta, we publish what is considered the most relevant selection of the numerous opportunities offered by EIT Knowledge Innovation Communities, specifically in the context of Malta.
“As the ECO for Malta, I aim to foster growth in the national innovation ecosystem by tangibly serving the innovation community on the ground and acting as a dynamic enabler among local government, Malta’s innovation community, and EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). I will focus on fostering collaboration and reducing administrative barriers to facilitate a more action-oriented approach to innovation in Malta. Working closely with local government bodies, I will support and accelerate the innovation process, ensuring a seamless exchange of ideas, resources, and best practices. My goal is to unlock the full potential of Malta’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers, ultimately positioning Malta a step ahead on the innovation scoreboard. I am open to further discussions on collaborative efforts to streamline, enhance, and make the innovation ecosystem in Malta more efficient and impactful.”
DIANA MICELI, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER MALTA
EIT Funding & Impact
Malta received a total of EUR 1.38 million in EIT grants in 2022. This amount is EUR 0.74 million higher than the funding received in 2021 and was directed to Maltese organisations via three EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities. The largest share in 2022 (EUR 1.18 million) was allocated to higher education-related activities. The funding also included EUR 0.19 million to support Maltese SMEs under EIT Food.
About the EIT Community Officer
Diana Miceli
EIT Community Officer Malta
Diana Miceli is the EIT Community Officer for Malta, where she leverages over 16 years of experience in project management and EU funding programmes to enhance Malta’s innovation community. Her career has included significant roles in managing and implementing diverse projects, particularly within the ERASMUS+ & HORIZON programmes and other EU initiatives. Educated with an Associate Degree in Management from the European University in Montreux, a B.A. (Hons) in European Studies, and a Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action from the University of Malta, Miceli is also a certified PRINCE2 practitioner. In her current role, she strategically drives local innovation projects towards European engagement and collaboration, using her deep understanding of project management, funding mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement to foster sustainable development and innovation across Malta and beyond.
Contact Details
- Email: malta@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +356 7920 5359
- Address: BUSINESSLABS, Level One, Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara BKR 9037 Malta
- LinkedIn: EIT Community RIS Malta
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Malta's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.
