S3 for SDGs in Malta

The development of Malta’s RIS3 strategy was primarily based on the identification of economic niches where Malta could have a competitive edge through investment in innovation.

S3 for SDGs in Malta

The development of Malta’s Smart Specialisation Strategy was primarily based on the identification of economic niches where Malta could have a competitive edge through investment in innovation. The principle of sustainable development was cross-cutting and implicit throughout the process.

The activities target include ‘resource-efficient buildings’ underlining the importance of the construction sector for Malta’s development. The sector could be strengthened by embedding innovative concepts related to improved energy and water efficiency tailored to the local environmental circumstances. A key aim is to identify innovative solutions for independent living and health management. Malta’s identified RIS3 area on resource efficient buildings target sustainability in water and energy use across Malta. Another S3 priority is healthy living, active ageing and e-health.

The ‘Sustainable Living Complex’, one of the research and innovation projects being funded through ERDF 2014-2020 funds, aims to develop a sustainable infrastructure . The related activities should bring economic, social and environmental solutions to the country’s challenge of a rapidly growing construction sector. Specifically, the project aims to foster a change of culture by breaking down established socio-cultural practices and seeks to educate Maltese society about the vital need for a more resource-efficient construction industry. It is hoped that the results of this project will act as a real-life model for Maltese citizens, thus promoting a societal shift towards an more sustainable way of life.

Malta’s first Sustainable Development Strategy was adopted for the period 2007-2016. With the expiration of the strategy in 2016 and national, EU and international developments affecting various policy sectors since then, it was an opportune moment to develop a new Strategy.  With a clear direction for the long-term development of the Maltese Islands, a Vision that defines our strategic focus and outlines the Malta we all want to see in the future has been launched and finalised after a four-week period of open consultation in the last trimester 2018.

Main SDGs in the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Malta

  • SDG 3. Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11. Sustainable cities and communities.