In 2005, the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) launched a new initiative, ForLink, (http://www.for-link.net/mcst/home.aspx) with the objective of addressing a number of key weaknesses identified in the national system of innovation. At the macro level, these relate to the lack of innovation policy coordination between the key players in the system, the need to improve policy coherence in implementing measures to strengthen innovation capacity, and the need for strengthening policy and programme management skills in the public and private sectors. At the micro level, these weaknesses relate to the poor in-house research capacity and the need to improve research and innovations skills in small enterprises. The aim of this project is to finance training for Maltese entrepreneurs and their employees so that they may be instructed in research and new methods of production being used by similar companies abroad.
Last year, the Malta Council for Science and Technology organised the third in the series of ForLink networking workshop as part of the European Social Fund Research and Mobility Action Plan to increase in-house research capacity. The Workshop focused on the recent developments in the National R&I and Industrial Policies and strengthening links between academia and business. This workshop was co-ordinated by the MCST and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Small Business and the Self Employed.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and the Self Employed visited a number of companies that have benefited from these structural funds at the Mosta Technopark. The ForLink project, financed by the European Union Structural Funds, enabled the improvement of operations and capabilities of a number of small businesses. Under this project, the Government distributed more than Lm36,000 to the participating enterprises.
Hon. Vassallo explained that "research and innovation go beyond simple research on new products. A business can be innovative if it recognises the need to adapt to changing needs. Commercial activity is constantly changing, and with it our work practices. Therefore, in order to remain competitive we need to ensure that our businesses constantly update themselves. The Government is offering to help in order to achieve this."
He also added that thanks to this project, research and innovation was improved by means of:
- Training for trainers and managers by research programmes in management of innovation
- Training for individuals who would like to develop new skills in research, both in small businesses and in public entities
- Training in research and innovation by means of computers for those persons who have mobility restrictions.
ForLink is offering substantial opportunities for those small businesses that would like to develop a research and innovation system so that they may improve their business. Research and innovation are not exclusive to large businesses, nor is it limited to particular sectors such as information technology. Research and innovation are important tools for all those who would like to improve the work they are doing.
Hon. Vassallo visited a number of factories at the Mosta Technopark, including FAL Malta Ltd., and Cheops. FAL Malta Ltd is a company that produces Wireless Communication Networks and employs 32 persons, while Cheops is based on information technology and produces electronic components and computer circuits, both for Malta and abroad. The company presently employs 34 persons, and is exporting to new markets. It was noted that these two companies represent two success stories, where small companies penetrated in new niche markets with each large company starting off as a small company.
While stressing the fact that small companies should be encouraged by such initiatives, as ForLink managed by MCST, Hon. Vassallo stated that "Mosta Technopark has always been a hub for innovative companies in Malta, maintaining the highest quality levels possible, and should be an example for industrial zones and other companies, particularly in the use of research and innovation."
Benefiting Businesses
| Organisation | Benefit |
EcoGroup | Diploma - renewable energy |
Acrosslimits | Attachment Fraunhofer Institute |
Icon Studios | ITMP Intstitute Course |
Gozo Glass | Advanced Glass Making course |
AquaBio Tech | IIFET Conference |
Amstrong | Control of Insects using heat |
Fal Malta | Implementation of AGPS |
Cheops | EMC Engineering for Wired and Wireless Design |
Mr. Vincent Caruana | Civil Society Strengthening |
Zamco | Product flow training |
Createch | Technology Transfer Opportunities |
Medicare | Intesive Seminar on EU |
Timothy Pace Lupi | Architectural Design |
MLSBioDNA | Pharmateutical Research |