Maltese-European Linkages for Internationalisation, Innovation and Technology Transfer

ended

The MELIITA project is a unique proposal since for the first time in Malta it brings together the four public and private major players in the local advisory ecosystem. This new approach addresses the existing national fragmentation of business support services and provides a framework enabling the creation of much-needed synergies. It sends a strong message of commitment and a credible common front for client micros and SMEs. Clients benefit from the varied specialisations of the partners - rendering the sum of the whole greater than the sum of the parts. This improved harmonisation of current services [in association with other stakeholders], the additionality of an enhanced quality design of business support services and the European dimension attributed to these activities, fit in perfectly with the national development strategy of Malta. MELIITA addresses the challenges faced by the Maltese enterprises especially those with a high-growth potential. The actions being proposed for the immediate work plan deals with the current lags in access to finance, improved access to markets, the low spend by SMEs in innovation and R&D and improved competitiveness. MELIITA operates within the framework of the Small Business Act but takes the “Think Small First” principle to a higher level. It will evolve to “Act Small First” and seeks to intervene and attain the desired impact on the national economy through its services, namely market improvement, costs savings, creation and retainment of jobs. This project supports the implementation of the Lisbon Agenda Strategy and the Europe 2020 strategy in Malta, recognising the crucial role of SMEs in delivering a high level of jobs and an energy efficient economy. It aids SMEs to grow, internationalise and compete in the internal/external market. MELIITA supports the objectives of ESIF which could be used in the longer term to finance certain activities. MELIITA positions the Network and the EC as a fully-embedded service provider.