PM promises to unveil R&D measures

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday he would unveil new measures in research and development in the coming weeks.

Speaking during a visit to battery accessories manufacturer Abertax, Dr Gonzi did not elaborate but stressed on the importance of investing in research and development.

"This is very important investment for the success of our country," said the Prime Minister.

Last year, 19 companies received €2.2 million in specific grants for research and development projects under the European Region Development Fund schemes.

Among them was Abertax, which started off 20 years ago as a subcontractor for battery-filling systems and has over the years set up a state-of-the-art research and development centre through a €229,000 innovation grant co-financed by the EU.

"Abertax has turned an investment into a tangible leap of quality."

He said that after he took over research and development in the last Cabinet changes, a strategy unit was set up to focus on the issue.

"We need to fully focus on research and development because there are exceptional opportunities," he said.

Dr Gonzi also highlighted the importance of companies sharing information about research, which avoids duplication of work and the wastage of resources.

"One of the difficulties the country faced in the past was that research was taking place but everyone was keeping it to himself," he said during a visit to the Corradino-based company Abertax, which manufactures battery accessories. However, through the involvement of the University of Malta, companies were now sharing information, he said.

In fact, Abertax and a number of other companies are working together and with the University to build an electric boat.