Finance Minister Prof. Edward Scicluna had the pleasure to meet Mr. Holm Keller Vice President of Leuphana University Germany during his visit to Malta.

During the meeting Mr. Holm referred to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between this University and the Malta Council for Science and Technology. The most immediate opportunity that Malta is seeking jointly with this University is the submission of a proposal for the creation of a KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community) focused on Innovation for Healthy Living and Active Ageing (HLAA). A proposal by the ‘Health Ageing Net’ – the consortium of with Malta is a part- will be submitted to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) by September, the EIT being the funding structure for existing KICs spread across the EU.

 

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One of the most important prospects is that the EIT will be investing about €2.5 billion over the next 7-year period in 8 KICs targeting different areas ranging from health to energy to raw materials. Malta’s application status as a coordinator in the KIC HLAA project means that it does not only stand to gain from international visibility in this field, but it will also be in a prime strategic position to administer one of Europe’s largest innovation projects- worth €1.25 billion.

The consortium partners include prestigious institutions such as the University of Zurich, the Medical University of Gottingen, SCALVO Vaccines Association (which incorporates the Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health), and the International Consortium for Health Outcome Standardisation (ICHOM) which was co-founded by Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School, the Karolinska Institute, and the Boston Consulting Group.

The Minister for Finance welcomed this agreement between the two institutions and noted that the interaction with partners from other leading countries augurs well for the future. He wished the consortium successes in winning the EU bid to carry out this important proposed project. He said that an increased emphasis on maintaining people’s health will reduce the cost of healthcare provision and allow people to lead independent lives during old age.

Mr. Holm Keller was accompanied by Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology.

 

– Wednesday, 5th February, 2014