S.L. 595.49 Art. 5Powers of the Agency.      Cap. 16.

(1) The Agency shall have such powers as may be necessary or conducive for the proper performance and attainment of all its functions under this order and, without limitation to the generality of the foregoing but subject to any requirements under any other law, shall have the power and authority to:

(a) appoint technical and advisory committees;

(b) issue, manage, implement and monitor public schemes to finance research, development and innovation activities;

(c) create and manage other public schemes to support and assist the capacity of public and private undertakings to partake in research, development and innovation funding endeavours;

(d) cooperate closely with other agencies, public authorities and Government departments to support and facilitate the timely and effective execution of their implementation roles and responsibilities, thereby contributing to the successful realisation of national research and innovation strategies and policies;

(e) provide advisory or other services or facilities in relation to any of its functions, or to assist in their provision;

(f) issue and publish guidelines to regulate research organisations;

(g) issue binding requests for information, including technical data, from other entities concerning matters affecting research, development and innovation policy and programming;

(h) establish and maintain institutional relationships with foreign research-funding organisations and other relevant international bodies;

(i) enter into bilateral and multilateral agreements with local and foreign entities in the area of research development and innovation; and

(j) participate in collaborative projects aligned with the core functions of the Agency.

(2) The Agency may, with the prior authorisation of the

Minister, take part in the formation of a company, foundation, association or any other legal body which is recognised in accordance with the provisions of the Second Schedule to the Civil Code, or enter into joint ventures or partnerships for the purpose of fulfilling any of its functions.

(3) Where required in the performance of its functions, the Agency may also administer and organise panels or audit committees for the adjudication of grants, scholarships and funding related to education, research, development and innovation.