The University selected as the theme for the opening of the current academic year 'Converting Research and Creativity into Socio-Economic Growth'. So it was music to the ears of those who have been campaigning for the mind of the powers-that-be to be enlightened on this important matter to hearing both Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and opposition leader Joseph Muscat agree that the country's progress rests on research and innovation. If we look at our colleagues in Europe we will see how such a vision can be successfully achieved.
Germany is the world's largest exporter of research-intensive industrial products. Although it is proud of this achievement the country is not resting on its laurels. The German government sees innovation as the key to meeting future challenges and has therefore implemented a high-tech strategy. It has also sent a clear signal that it wants to promote innovation and secure a leading position in new technologies.
Theologian and philosopher Annette Schavona was appointed German Federal Minister of Education and Research in 2005. In last month's issue of the magazine published by Karl Zeiss on innovation Schavona wrote that at no time in history has the German government ever invested so much as in this year to strengthen knowledge and expertise. She did not use the current economic problems facing Europe as an excuse to delay stimulating research and development. On the contrary, the German minister ensured that no less than €14.5 billion is invested by 2009 as part of the high-tech strategy. A huge investment is also being made in the education and training of current and future employees.
Many are debating the University's role in Malta. All agree that the it must play a particularly important role if Malta is to remain competitive and benefit as a member of the European Union. The University academics have time and again demonstrated their impressive capabilities. It is good to hear that a number of research projects run jointly between the University and industry are already ongoing, some through research grants awarded by the Malta Council of Science and Technology (MCST).
Given the very limited spending by the local industry on research and development, it is all the more important for our University academics to be not only innovative but also innovating.
In other words, they must trigger innovation in many sectors of the economy. Innovation means organising value-creation from new knowledge. Many partners must work together to reach this goal. The German government has now declared that in order to further stimulate innovation it will be eliminating hurdles to recruit non-German specialists.
We already have a few Maltese specialists especially in the medical field who have taken up consultant posts in Germany. With the boosting of the teaching of German at the University, which is in itself a laudable development, it would not be surprising if more of our specialists will be attracted to move to Germany in the coming years.
Such a brain drain will certainly be speeded-up if the government does not heed the warnings of the unions representing the academics at our University and persists with the shortsighted mentality that Malta cannot afford to finance and keep its intelligentsia. There was a time when importing computers required the Prime Minister's personal approval since they were considered beyond our means. Is it possible for anyone to contemplate moving back to this same mentality with regard to research and development? That would really be a sad day for the University and the country as a whole.