S.L. 595.49 ст. 4Functions of the Agency.

(1) It shall be the function and object of the Agency to:

(a) coordinate and consolidate the national research and innovation programming endeavour;

(b) manage the national budgetary allocation for research, development and innovation;

(c) itself, or in collaboration with other entities, develop research funding programmes aimed to assist research and innovation sectors deemed of national relevance;

(d) itself, or in collaboration with other entities or on behalf of other entities, establish or award scholarships or fellowships to students or researchers;

(e) itself, or in collaboration with other entities or on behalf of other entities, organise educational programmes, student and lecturer exchanges, study or research opportunities or any other activities which facilitate, enhance and, or encourage education;

(f) establish, implement and manage grant-based and blended finance schemes for research, development and innovation;

(g) provide support to researchers and technologists in the development of their ideas, projects and products;

(h) submit proposals and recommendations to the Government on national positions on research and innovation matters;

(i) actively participate in the national socio-economic planning process as well as to set up networks of professional experts and organisations to assist in the formulation of research and innovation policies, the implementation of relevant programmes and to monitor areas in research and innovation that may be of interest to Malta;

(j) prepare periodic assessments concerning the effectiveness, relevance and impact of research and innovation in Malta;

(k) organise research and innovation activities which are of public benefit;

(l) promote the harmonisation and alignment across the Government’s research and innovation policies and strategies;

(m) facilitate the international collaboration between research, development and innovation communities through the implementation of regional and international funding programmes, including bilateral and multilateral programmes and support schemes;

(n) actively participate in relevant European Union, regional and international policy fora related to research, development and innovation, for strategic guidance on current regional and international priorities and the implementation thereof through European Union, regional and international funding instruments, and for the international promotion of Malta’s research, development and innovation sector;

(o) co-ordinate science diplomacy activities, including regularly scoping out opportunities to foster strategic partnerships related to research, development and innovation for international collaborative opportunities;

(p) act as Malta’s National Contact Point structure for the European Union Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation;

(q) develop Malta’s National Contact Point structure’s support portfolio to assist potential applicants and beneficiaries of the European Union Framework Programmes;

(r) set up, nominate and maintain the structure underpinning the Programme Committee membership, at both delegate and expert level, for the implementation of the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation;

(s) establish, implement and manage any national support schemes in relation to Malta’s participation in the European Union Framework Programme;

(t) develop, monitor and update the national space policy and legal framework as necessary;

(u) act as Malta’s institutional liaison organisation with the European Space Agency, including participation in the preparatory working structures of the European Space Agency;

(v) oversee the development of European Union, regional and international collaborative initiatives in the space domain;

(w) promote space-related education;

(x) establish, manage and operate research and science centres, interactive experiences, exhibitions, educational displays, science museums or any other informative or educational endeavour which is open to visitors;

(y) conduct activities related to the commercialisation of science, technology, research and innovation; and

(z) carry out merchandising and retailing, promote new products, to grant and receive sponsorships, to prepare, distribute and sell publications, to organise and conduct training programmes and events, and to hire out venues.

(2) The Agency shall, in the performance of its functions, keep in consideration the public interest and shall draw up and publish an annual report concerning its activities in general.

(3) Without prejudice to sub-article (1), the Minister may, from time to time, give to the Agency directions, which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this order, to be followed by the Agency in the carrying out of its functions under this order, and the Agency shall, as soon as practicable, give effect to all such directions.

(4) The Minister shall assume a leadership role in ensuring ownership, coordination and transparency of research and innovation matters, and to ensure that the Agency is fully informed of strategic directions of the Government in relation to this order:

Provided that it shall be the duty of the Agency to properly execute such policies.

(5) In pursuance of its functions under this order, the Agency shall regulate its own procedure.