Malta Accelerates Innovation Journey
Malta recently achieved a notable milestone in its innovation landscape. According to the European Innovation Scoreboard 2025, the island’s innovation performance has surged to 95% of the EU average. This marks a significant increase from 87.4% just a year prior and a remarkable improvement of 16.7 percentage points since 2018. This upward trajectory reflects the steady evolution of Malta’s innovation ecosystem.
Key Statistics and Rankings
Currently, Malta holds the 12th position among EU Member States, placing it firmly within the “Moderate Innovators” category. However, caution is warranted when interpreting these rankings since they can be influenced by methodological shifts.
- Current ranking: 12th in the EU
- Percentage of EU average: 95%
- Year-on-year growth: Improved from 87.4% to 95% in one year
- Performance since 2018: Up by 16.7 percentage points
Growth in Innovation and Research
Some remarkable growth areas include a 294% increase in foreign doctorate students and a 300% rise in cloud computing usage. Additionally, public-private research collaboration has increased by over 124%. These trends highlight Malta’s proactive embrace of digital tools and the benefits of cooperation among diverse stakeholders.
Support from European Initiatives
Much of this progress can be attributed to initiatives like Xjenza Malta, which promotes research and innovation funding, and has enabled Malta to secure €56 million in Horizon Europe funding. This financial support allows local innovators to integrate with broader European research networks effectively.
Collaboration Platforms
The Malta Innovation Forum plays an essential role by facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. This platform has helped foster dialogue and innovation in various sectors. Through the backing of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Malta has engaged in over twenty innovation projects, addressing areas such as digital transformation, sustainable mobility, and carbon monitoring.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Public and private R&D expenditure in Malta still falls below the EU average. The availability of venture capital and support for business R&D is limited, which undermines the growth of local innovation. Additionally, the number of home-grown doctorate graduates remains a concern.
Vision for the Future
To realize its Vision 2050 strategy, Malta must enhance its commitment to innovation adoption while investing in research capacity and talent development. Effective collaboration between academia, government, and private sectors is crucial in maintaining the current momentum.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
The next significant event, the Innovation Exchange, is scheduled for 14 November 2025 at Villa Arrigo. This gathering aims to explore obstacles and opportunities in innovation across three themes: environmental sustainability, social wellness, and growth through innovation. The event promises not just discussions but also actionable projects and policy recommendations.
Conclusion
Malta’s advancements in the European Innovation Scoreboard reflect a wider commitment to innovation as a national priority. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and addressing existing challenges, Malta is poised to transform current achievements into future prosperity. This journey is supported by multiple partners and stakeholder contributions, making innovation a collective effort across the nation.
