The University of Malta and the Malta Chamber Foundation yesterday signed a framework agreement to bridge the gap between education and industry.

The agreement will see the two institutions pooling resources and working together on research, educational programmes and business initiatives.

Stefano Mallia, president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, said research was a critical area for industry.

While academics had the qualified personnel to carry out such research, they lacked financial resources and industry had the funds but not the people.

The agreement brought together two sectors that complemented each other.

University rector Juanito Camilleri said the collaboration was “an efficient way” of connecting with key players and facilitating initiatives to benefit organisations and local industry.

“Industry needs research and the University can give industry value added. A University is not there to create graduates for today’s jobs but we have to create tomorrow’s jobs for graduates,” he said.

“Creativity, research and innovation have to inspire tomorrow’s industries. We have a common challenge and this framework agreement gives confidence of fruitful collaboration in the future.”

Malta Chamber Foundation chairwoman Helga Ellul said the agreement was the result of a joint working group that acted on various initiatives over the past year, including input on courses offered at the University.

The framework also provided for student internships for on-the-job training.

Dr Mallia said more interaction between the University and industry put the Malta Chamber in a better position to influence national policies.