Research and Innovation background
Malta’s research and innovation framework is structured to bolster its economic development and align with EU-wide goals. The Maltese government’s R&I agenda includes several strategic plans:
- Smart Specialization Strategy 2021-2027: This strategy focuses on six thematic areas to drive innovation: Health and Wellbeing; Sustainable Use of Resources for Climate Change Mitigation; Smart Manufacturing; Marine and Maritime Technology; Aviation and Aerospace; and Future Digital Technologies. Transport research is addressed in these multidisciplinary areas. This strategy is part of the government's post-pandemic vision to channel government resources, policy, and industry collaboration to drive innovation for the continuous strengthening of the country’s economy.
- National Research and Innovation Strategy 2023-2027: This updated R&I strategy outlines five core objectives: enhancing governance and priority-setting, driving local R&I performance in the private sector, integrating R&I in public policy, and establishing better implementation structures. It follows the prior R&I Strategy 2014-2020, continuing the goal to embed R&I within the Maltese economy for sustainable growth and societal well-being.
- Transport Master Plan (TMP) 2025: This document provides a strategic approach to developing Malta’s land, maritime and air transport systems over the medium term, covering aspects of infrastructure and regulatory reform to increase efficiency and sustainability.
- National Transport Strategy (NTS) 2050: This long-term transport vision outlines Malta’s roadmap for a modern, sustainable transport network. It includes goals for modal shifts, infrastructure expansion, and reduced emissions across all transport sectors.
- National Electromobility Action Plan: This action plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in transport. It sets specific targets to reduce emissions by promoting electric vehicle usage for both private and public transport. The plan forms part of Malta’s response to EU climate obligations and is designed to address air quality, emissions, and noise pollution concerns in urban areas.
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Action Plan: The ITS Action Plan outlines a framework for deploying intelligent transport systems across Malta. ITS initiatives aim to improve transport efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. This plan also supports multimodal transport integration, helping Malta address its specific geographical and environmental challenges through technology.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
Malta’s research and innovation framework is supported by key institutions and authorities:
- Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST): Responsible for research policy, promoting scientific research, and managing local research funding programme. The Council is the national contact point for Horizon Europe.
- Transport Malta: Responsible for developing integrated transport policies, developing an efficient transport system for the islands of Malta, and providing an effective regulatory framework for land transport. Back in 2010, this authority took over from the Malta Maritime Authority, the Malta Transport Authority and the Department of Civil Aviation, to bring maritime, land, public and maritime transport under one public body. Transport Malta is financially independent of the Government. Current policies in public transport, maritime transport and aviation are provided by the relevant previous authorities.
- Malta Enterprise: Responsible for promoting foreign investment and industrial development in Malta, managing various funding schemes. It was entrusted by the Managing Authority for Structural Funds for administering six European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Grant Schemes.
- Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise (MEEE): The MEEE collaborates with MCST and TM to guide national policy on climate resilience, sustainable mobility, and green economy objectives, playing a critical role in projects focusing on eco-friendly transport innovations.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Malta has established multiple funding schemes and support programmes to foster R&I projects in the transport sector:
- Maritime Proof of Concept Fund: Managed by MCST, this fund provides research funding to support maritime transport sector innovation.
- Towards a smarter, well connected and resilient economy, a greener environment and an integrated society: The main challenges addressed by the programme are promoting a smarter and more innovative economy, fostering a greener and low carbon transition as well as supporting a more social and inclusive society. A focus on sustainable active urban mobility will encourage cleaner forms of transportation and will promote alternative fuels in road transport. With the support of JTF, the Programme will push for the decarbonisation of the international ports of Malta's mainland (the Grand Harbour and Malta Freeport). This will entail the connection of vessels to onshore electricity power supply whilst berthing, in an effort to reduce the ships' emissions of greenhouse gas emissions and the pollution of the air, and marine environment, air pollution.
- Cross Border Cooperation Programme Italia-Malta 2021-2027: This EU-funded initiative encourages cross-border collaboration between Italy and Malta, with a focus on sustainable transport, environmental protection, and improved infrastructure for mobility. It provides funding for innovative transport projects that enhance connectivity between the two countries while minimising environmental impact.
- National Development and Social Fund: Funded by Malta’s Individual Investor Programme, NDSF finances large-scale national projects, including transport initiatives focused on infrastructure and urban transport sustainability. This fund has supported various projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality through sustainable transport solutions.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)