Many successful economies around the world are characterised by a high level of investment in research and innovation. This is not a coincidence. Economies that invest in research and innovation reap both economic and societal benefits. When it comes to Malta, I think it’s fair to say that our country does not have a long tradition of investment in this sector concerning research and innovation.

Our economic strongholds are traditionally manufacturing, tourism and trade with more recent additions such as gaming and financial services. Many of our economic sectors have seen new challenges, to varying degrees, as a result ofthe COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless this pandemic has also taught us many lessons, amongst which are that iInnovation is always important, but in times of crisis, it is absolutely crucial and that knowledge, based on scientific evidence, is the key to drive policy making.
With this in mind, I feel that the time is more than ripe for Malta to have a Research and Innovation Ministry because research and innovation are the key to our future growth and prosperity. I think it is important to keep in mind that research and innovation are not an economic sector in, and of, themselves. They are cross-cutting enablers – across all economic sectors, whether new or traditional – to sustain growth and wellbeing.

With a fully-fledged Ministry for Research and Innovation, Malta is underlining its drive to transform itself into a knowledge-based economy and society. Research and innovation will not become an economic pillar in themselves but they have the power to strengthen all sectors of the economy. They do so by enabling other sectors to transform and grow by adapting to changing circumstances. Research and innovation strengthen the social fabric by providing knowledge on societal needs and consequently, the measures required to meet those needs.

COVID-19 brought upheaval and uncertainty with it. It has been, and still is, a difficult time for everyone. Emerging from this crisis will require us to take on board the lessons learnt and use them to emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient. There’s no going back to the way we were. We have a post-COVID future to carve ahead of us, and there is indeed foresight and wisdom in combining research and innovation and the post-COVID strategy within the same ministry. Both require a change in mindset. Both require collaboration with all ministries across the board.

 I am eager to use the opportunity provided by these two goals to valorise the role that research and innovation can, and should, play in Malta’s post-COVID economy. We all agree that we want growth. But what kind of growth do we want after COVID? I can tell you the kind of growth that I want – growth that puts people’s wellbeing at the centre. Growth that respects our natural and built heritage, that respects our physical and mental wellbeing and growth that provides opportunities for us and our children. I firmly believe that research and innovation are key drivers of this vision. We need the knowledge to understand and overcome the challenges that we face. We can’t always rely on foreign knowledge to solve local challenges.

And we need to be innovative in the way that we overcome the challenges that we face, with tailored solutions to our particular needs. 
The government has already started to put in motion new research and innovation funding initiatives, whilst boosting existing ones. We have already seen an increase in the Malta Council for Science and Technology’s research grant budgets for FUSION and internationalisation initiatives, as well as the COVID-19 R&D Fund which was jointly established with Malta Enterprise. In 2021, I will oversee the implementation of such initiatives through the Malta Council for Science and Technology and help pioneer the way forward on new research opportunities such as the Infectious Diseases Fund and Malta’s participation in the Horizon Europe Partnerships. Our local research community deserves a research and innovation ecosystem that will help develop their ideas, that in turn will not only support our economy, but help ensure it is grounded in a knowledge-intensive context. It is through such investments that I hope, we can create a better future, despite the current challenges, for our community and our loved ones.

Because of this, I am keen to be the voice of Malta’s research community, which does so much with so little. You will have my full backing for more support to your research endeavours because your research, when properly harnessed, makes Malta a better country. I will work so that our doctoral graduates can find the employment opportunities that they deserve in Malta.

I will work so that our private sector appreciates the value of being innovative, and consequently, though not always, investing in research efforts to improve one’s market position locally, and why not, even internationally. I am fully aware that this is a tall order. But I am also convinced that there is no better time for Malta to embark on such a radical but important change. I pledge to be Malta’s research and innovation champion so that together with my colleagues in Cabinet, we can drive forward Malta’s economic growth and social as well as environmental wellbeing.

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Now that I have moved to new pastures, I would like to thank all my former colleagues at the Ministry for Education and Employment for the support and assistance they gave me in the period I was responsible for those sectors.  I wish them all success, as they all are excellent people.  I also thank all stakeholders and players.  Last, but certainly not least, I wish all success to my successor, Minister Justyne Caruana and her very good team.  

Owen Bonnici is Minister for Research, Innovation and the Coordination of the post-COVID-19 Strategy