Malta has been classified as a Strong Innovator for the first time in the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's innovation performance. 

The annual European Commission assessment places Malta above the EU average for innovation, while maintaining its 2025 overall ranking of 12th among EU Member States. Malta has also recorded one of the strongest improvements in innovation performance since 2019. 

The EIS highlights Malta as a leading performer in Intellectual Assets and identifies the country as one of the strongest improvers in Resource and Labour Productivity Impact. 

The European Innovation Scoreboard measures innovation performance across areas such as research, investment, digitalisation, business innovation, and economic impact. Malta has historically been classified as a Moderate Innovator, with strengths in digitalisation, lifelong learning and knowledge-intensive employment, while continuing to face challenges in areas such as private R&D investment, venture capital and patent activity. 

Reacting to the publication of the report, Clifton Grima, Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation, welcomed Malta’s progression to the ‘Strong Innovator’ category and stated that this positive result provides renewed momentum and drive to continue strengthening our innovation ecosystem, supporting businesses to innovate, fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry, and encouraging greater private investment in research and development. The report also highlights where Malta needs to invest further, especially to continue increasing research funding and opportunities.   

Minister Grima reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue supporting Malta’s progress, primarily through Xjenza Malta, but also with the active engagement of all stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.