Research and Innovation background
- 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 shift, infrastructure expansion, and reduced emissions across all transport sectors. It also has a dedicated section on ‘Making Room for Innovation and Research’, encouraging collaborations with international research institutions, development of new mobility solutions and integration of technological innovation into transport planning.
- Transport Master Plan (TMP) 2030: This document provides a strategic approach to translating the National Transport Strategy into concrete projects and policy actions and serves as the main policy document guiding transport innovation pilots and research collaborations in Malta. Supports transport-modelling, data-driven planning, active mobility, ferry transport expansion and sustainable transport solutions.
- National Policy for Electric Vehicle Public Charging Infrastructure: Establishes a comprehensive framework to deploy a national interoperable charging network that is widely accessible across Malta and Gozo, with a focus on geographic distribution, technical standards, price transparency and grid impacts to support mass EV uptake. The policy connects to Malta’s wider strategy by promoting low-carbon technologies, smart energy management, digital platforms and skills development and is reinforced by the National Energy and Climate Plan.
- Future Mobility and Transport Innovation Initiative:Transport Malta is pursuing an approach of innovation in the transport sector to deliver more sustainable transport solutions. This includes pioneering green maritime solutions, enhancing port efficiency and encouraging collaboration across the industry.
- National Cycling Strategy and Action Plan for the Maltese Islands:Strategy that sets out a framework to make cycling a safe, viable and mainstream mode of everyday transport, centred on building a connected national cycling network, integrating cycling with public transport, and improving infrastructure, safety rules and user awareness. Its core policy objectives are to shift travel away from private cars, reducing emissions and congestion. The strategy sits within Malta’s wider transport policy framework (e.g. Transport Master Plan) and promotes low-carbon innovation.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works: Government ministry that oversees national transport strategy implementation and innovation calls aimed at smart mobility and technology adoption.
- Transport Malta: The National Transport Authority 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. Transport Malta includes a Department specifically focussed on developing strategies and policies for the transport sector in Malta, including Sustainable Mobility.
- Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness: The Ministry collaborates with the Malta Council for Science and Technology and Transport Malta 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.
- Xjenza Malta:The government agency responsible for promoting and coordinating scientific research, technological innovation and science communication in Malta. XM is the national contact point for Horizon Europe.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- 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.
- Towards a smarter, well connected and resilient economy, a greener environment and an integrated society: Co-funded by the EU, the programme promotes a smarter and more innovative economy, fostering a greener and low-carbon transition and supporting a more social and inclusive society. It includes a focus on sustainable active urban mobility to encourage cleaner forms of transport and it promotes alternative fuels in road transport. It also targets the decarbonisation of Malta’s international maritime ports.
Cross Border Cooperation Programme Italia-Malta: This EU-funded (under Interreg) 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 impacts.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)