A Local Strategic Partnership
The Fondazzjoni Temi Zammit (FTZ) is a Maltese not-for-profit 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 whole 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 have set up FTZ as an inclusive platform to undertake projects which build on the traditional strengths of Malta’s workforce – a spirit of creativity, enterprise and a rich knowledge base. In practice, FTZ is establishing itself as the island’s premier multi-stakeholder partnership for regional development, providing lifelong education and training opportunities and promoting the formation of a strong research and innovation culture. It aims to create greater social cohesion and contribute to the moulding of tomorrow’s knowledge-based society – “an inclusive society without frontiers to knowledge”.
Brief Background
The intention to set up FTZ was announced in July 2003 by the Minister of Education, the Hon. Dr Louis Galea, following a call for interested public and private organisations to join the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) as core members of the foundation. The first board meeting was held in October, while the statute and deed of foundation were signed and registered at the Public Registry in May 2004.
Initially set up to provide e-learning services and promote educational projects, its role has developed to include support for local players embarking on research and innovation projects, as well as regional development initiatives in general. FTZ helps to provide the critical mass often required for participation in such projects, through networking, clustering and capacity-building actions. Ministries, local councils and SMEs all stand to benefit from the foundation’s activities.
FTZ is a non-profit foundation established by public deed, qualifying as a public equivalent body as defined by EU legislation.