On 13 to 15 October, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) held the conference “From Research to Business: Turning Knowledge into Jobs, Innovation and Growth” in Malta, highlighting the strategic role of research valorisation in boosting employment, competitiveness and sustainable growth across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Bringing together policymakers, researchers, universities, businesses and innovation actors, the event focused on bridging the long-standing gap between academic research and market uptake. Discussions emphasized the need for stronger academia–industry collaboration, improved policy frameworks and targeted funding mechanisms to turn scientific excellence into real economic and social impact.
The conference featured high-level panels, practical workshops and cross-sector dialogue, with particular attention to youth employment, green innovation and start-up creation. It also showcased successful regional initiatives such as PRIMA and Horizon Europe, illustrating how coordinated Euro-Mediterranean cooperation can deliver tangible results.
The conference served as a consultation platform for the upcoming UfM Research Scalability Strategy, which aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. As a concrete outcome from the conference, the new “Research to Business” initiative — backed by AECID — was launched, promising dedicated capacity-building and matchmaking activities for Mediterranean researchers and innovators in 2026–2027.
The Malta conference marks a turning point — positioning research valorisation not as a nice-to-have but as a cornerstone of regional development. By enabling stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, the UfM aims to channel the region’s intellectual and scientific potential into concrete opportunities for growth, jobs and sustainable development.