Momentum proposals: Ending Malta’s brain drain and building a real Knowledge Economy

Momentum is announcing three proposals to give research and innovation a proper home in Malta and to bring Maltese talent back from abroad.

Malta is a laggard when it comes to research and innovation. Our brightest young scientists, engineers, and researchers leave because the structures to keep them here do not exist. Momentum will change that.

Establish a dedicated Ministry for Science, Innovation and Research

Malta does not currently have a single political home for science and research. Responsibility is scattered across other portfolios, accountability is diluted, and serious long-term policy never materialises. Momentum will create a dedicated Ministry for Science, Innovation and Research, elevating this area to a full ministerial portfolio with its own resources, mandate, and accountability structures. This signals research as a core national priority and gives Malta the policy coordination it needs to become a real knowledge-based economy.

Create a National Centre exclusively for Research

Malta invests only 0.6% of GDP in research and development, compared to a European average of 3%. The brain drain of our young minds has already started, and unless we give a big boost to this area it will continue. Momentum in Parliament will push to establish a dedicated National Centre exclusively for Research, with the mandate and funding to boost Malta’s R&D investment from 0.6% towards the European average of 3%. The goal is simple: give our young researchers a reason to build their careers here instead of abroad.

Tax incentives for returning Maltese nationals with level 7 and 8 qualifications

Thousands of talented Maltese professionals are working abroad because there are not enough reasons to come home. Momentum in Parliament will push to offer returning Maltese nationals who hold level 7 and 8 qualifications, and who have been abroad for more than five years, a maximum 15% flat income tax rate for their first 10 years back in Malta. This is a significant improvement on the existing scheme, which only kicks in after 10 years working abroad and lasts only 5 years locally. The aim is straightforward: make coming home the obvious choice.

Dr. Matthew Agius, Momentum’s candidate in the 2nd and 8th districts, said: “Malta cannot keep talking about a knowledge economy while sitting at the bottom of Europe for research investment. We have brilliant young Maltese researchers working in the UK, Germany, and Italy because there is nothing here for them to come back to. Momentum’s plan creates the political home, the institutional centre, and the financial incentive to bring them back and keep them here.”

There is hope, you can help!

Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!