The ESM 2006 Business Programme

Held in an informal setting, the ESM 2006 Business Programme will enable entrepreneurs to establish contacts with different players in the field of innovation.

The networking event will include a series of short, informative presentations on the opportunities available for companies wishing to invest in innovation. All participants will also be given further information on plans to establish an informal network aimed at keeping the different sectors updated on opportunities in research and innovation. The programme will also enable participants to influence the implementation of innovation policy in the Maltese Islands.

The event aims to inform the participants on innovation-related opportunities, provide an opportunity for the participants to discuss the elements which will make up the informal network, and attract a minimum of three start-ups for the event. A CD with the best practices of the different companies present will be compiled to coincide with the event.

Each day will consist of a 30-minute presentation on a topic delivered by a distinguished guest. An informal networking session, consisting of a series of nine-minute mini-meetings featuring representatives of the corporate sector, public sector and the educational sector, will be held afterwards. Before the mini-meetings, there will be an audio-visual presentation related to the topic of the day.

The attendance targets are of 52 people per session: 26 mini-meetings in all every day.

Programme

On Tuesday, November 14, the theme will be "Entrepreneurship - How is entrepreneurship being fostered at the educational level? What role can the private sector play in fostering an entrepreneurial attitude? Is it advisable that future human resources come already equipped with an entrepreneurial mentality? How can this be done?"

Professor Juanito Camilleri is the keynote speaker. The keynote invitees include the Chamber of Commerce and Junior Chamber Malta.

On Wednesday, November 15, the theme will be "Research and Innovation Policy - What is innovation? Do I really need to invest in innovation? What is Malta's policy towards innovation? What is the policy of the European Union in this regard?"

The keynote speaker will be Dr Jennifer Casingena Harper. Keynote invitees include the Malta Business Bureau and Joe Woods.

On November 16, the theme will be "Financing Innovation -I have an innovative idea but I need to finance it. What are the opportunities available to me?" The keynote speaker will be Ing. Ray Muscat, chief officer, Enterprise Support and Innovation, Malta Enterprise. Keynote invitees include Gegè Gatt of Icon Studios, the Federation of Industry, the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Malta Enterprise, and the Malta Stock Exchange.

Registration is free of charge. Companies have to book a place by calling 2558-8000 or e-mail: esm2006@nsts.org.