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The National R&I Programme 2010 is a funding programme for research and innovation projects in the fields of science and technology and will be managed and administered by the MCST.

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In 2006, the Malta Council for Science and Technology launched the National Strategy for Research and Innovation for 2007-2010, entitled ‘Building and Sustaining the Research and Innovation (R&I) Enabling Framework’

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EU Funding Opportunities for SMEs in Gozo

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Small and Medium Enterprises play a pivotal role in the financial sector of the EU.  They make up approximately 99% of all firms in the EU and between them employ around 65 million people. Globally, SMEs account for 99% of business numbers and 40% to 50% of GDP. In many sectors, SMEs are also the driving force behind innovation and competition. In order to support SMEs, the EU offers numerous funding opportunities.

The aim of this Seminar, being organised by MEUSAC on Wednesday, 16th September 2009 at the Hotel Ta’ Ċenċ in Ta’ Sannat, is to help Gozitan SMEs identify those programmes that are most appropriate to their particular situation. This is also in line with the announcement made by the Prime Minister recently whereby MEUSAC will be seeking to support SMEs in identifying such opportunities. This will be facilitated by the opening of a joint MCESD/MEUSAC office in Gozo.

The Opening Address of the Seminar will be delivered by the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, Dr. Chris Said. The Seminar will then focus on two programmes that can be utilised to develop the skills of the employees. The main speakers for this part of the seminar will be Mr. Christian Cassar, Executive at ETC, and Mr. Ray Cassar, CEO Apex, together with Ms. Elizabeth Camilleri Fava, Project Coordinator for Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs.

The second part of the seminar will focus on EU Programmes that can fund research for SMEs (FP7) together with programmes with the main aim of eliminating market barriers (CIP). These will be followed by a presentation on ENPI, a programme that aims at reinforcing cooperation between the European Union (EU) and partner countries and regions around the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Ms. Karen Fiorini from the MCST, Mr. Pedro Fernandez Alvarez, CIP Malta National Contact Point, and Ms. Maria Schembri, MEUSAC’s Funding Unit Head will tackle these 3 programmes.

The third and final part of this seminar will focus on the schemes that are currently open. In fact, Mr. Ryan Borg, Senior Executive at Malta Enterprise will deliver two presentations: one on the ERDF Research and Development Grant Schemes and the other on the Energy Grant Scheme.

Given that the major business activity in Gozo is related to Tourism we will also have a presentation on the Tourism Grant Schemes by Ms Daniela Mallia from the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister.

For further details kindly find attached a copy of the programme. Participation is free of charge. Registration is highly recommended in view of seating restrictions and should reach MEUSAC offices by not later than noon of Tuesday, 15th September 2009 on email address info.meusac@gov.mt  For further details and assistance on this event, kindly contact Brian Pace on telephone 2200 3300.