OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

Their core work

Malta's Office of the Prime Minister acts as the national policy hub for EU research and innovation programmes, channelling SME support, researcher mobility services, and blue growth strategy into H2020 coordination actions. Through the recurring MELIITA programme (four editions), they serve as Malta's gateway for SMEs seeking access to EU innovation instruments like the EIC and SME Instrument. They also represent Malta in pan-European policy networks on gender equality in research, geological services, and Mediterranean blue economy initiatives. Their role is fundamentally one of national coordination and policy implementation rather than technical research.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015-2017), the Office engaged broadly across science communication (SPARKS), open science, and initial SME support, reflecting a government body establishing its EU research footprint. From 2017 onward, the focus sharpened toward recurring SME innovation management (MELIITA 2-4), ERA policy alignment (GENDERACTION, EURAXESS), and sustained blue growth engagement. The shift shows a move from exploratory, broad-based participation toward a more defined national coordination role in SME access-to-finance and Mediterranean policy networks.

Heading toward deeper EIC/SME instrument facilitation and Mediterranean blue economy policy, making them a useful national entry point for anyone targeting Malta's innovation ecosystem.

How they like to work

The Office of the Prime Minister never coordinates projects — it joins large consortia as a participant or third party, consistent with its role as a national policy body rather than a research performer. With 188 unique partners across 44 countries from just 12 projects, it operates as a network node connecting Malta to broad European policy initiatives. Working with them means accessing Malta's national research and innovation system through its central government authority.

Exceptionally broad network for its size: 188 unique partners across 44 countries from just 12 projects, reflecting participation in large pan-European coordination actions. Strong Mediterranean ties through BLUEMED and MarTERA, with connections spanning all major EU member states.

What sets them apart

As Malta's central government office in H2020, they offer something no university or research institute can: direct access to national policy-making and the authority to implement ERA commitments at country level. For consortium builders, including them signals genuine governmental buy-in from a small but strategically located Mediterranean member state. Their four rounds of MELIITA also make them the most experienced Maltese body for connecting local SMEs to EU innovation support.

Highlights from their portfolio

• BLUEMED
  Largest single grant (EUR 130,220) and longest project (2016-2021), positioning Malta in the Mediterranean blue growth strategic agenda.
• MELIITA series (1-4)
  Four consecutive editions (2015-2021) demonstrate Malta's sustained national commitment to SME internationalisation and EU innovation instrument access.
• GeoERA
  Unusual topic for a prime minister's office — participation in geological survey coordination signals Malta's interest in geo-energy and raw materials policy.