A Local Strategic Partnership
Fondazzjoni Temi Zammit (FTZ) is a Maltese public-equivalent foundation drawing key stakeholders together in a strategic partnership to boost regional development. It is a collaborative network implementing international, European and local projects of benefit to the community. Conscious that a highly-competitive economy can only be achieved if public and private organisations join forces to attain the critical mass of resources needed, several local leading players from the fields of education, research, industry, sustainable development, culture, science and technology had decided to set up FTZ as a regional development agency. The objective of this inclusive platform is to build on the traditional strengths of Malta’s workforce – a spirit of creativity, enterprise and a rich knowledge base. Brief Background
Initially set up to provide e-learning services and promote educational projects, FTZ’s role has developed to include support for local players embarking on research, innovation and culture projects, as well as regional development initiatives in general. In 2007, the Foundation moved from the offices of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, at Villa Bighi, to the Mediterranean Institute of the University of Malta. This year, the Government has provided it with new premises in Valletta, currently being restored. Current Actions
FTZ operates through networking, clustering and capacity-building actions, involving ministries and national agencies, local authorities, voluntary organisations and SMEs. It is a founding member of the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC), led by the Commonwealth of Learning, and UNESCO’s Avicenna Virtual Campus. It also provides lifelong education and training opportunities and promotes the formation of a strong research and innovation culture. Moreover, FTZ serves as Malta’s Bridgehead Organisation in the EU’s Euraxess network for research mobility. Today, the core members of the Foundation include the municipalities of Valletta, Birgu and Isla. This enables FTZ to play an important role in the cultural and sustainable development of the Grand Harbour region, contributing to create greater social cohesion and a deeper knowledge-based society – “an inclusive society without frontiers to knowledge”.
