The opportunities of Nanotechnology discussed during the EuroNanoForum 2017 in Malta
The EuroNanoForum 2017 conference kicked off on 21st June at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.
The first plenary, which focused on Europe’s return to the path of strong economic growth and reindustrialization, was opened by Peter Droll, Director, Industrial Technologies at DG Research & Innovation at the European Commission. He was followed by Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business Chris Cardona, and Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri.
In his speech, Minister Cardona said that “this conference will also contribute to the country’s commitment in implementing the Europe 2020 strategy.” He drew on Malta’s priorities, including manufacturing, aerospace, sustainability, and energy efficient buildings. He added that Malta has also had rapid development and advancement in the health care cluster, and there is potential for the country to become a centre of excellence for nanotechnology applications for the health and medicine industry. Minister Cardona said that Malta has taken off as a can-do economy, with great entrepreneurial spirit.
Parliamentary Secretary Schembri emphasized that Malta should seize the opportunities around it and capitalise on two fronts: nationally through the National R&I Programme, and at a European level by supporting its researchers’ participation in Horizon 2020.
The Parliamentary Secretary commended the work being done by MCST, supporting local research and innovation projects, and enabling researchers and technologists to turn their innovative ideas into a market-ready opportunity.
He later visited several exhibitors showcasing great ideas, profound project results, and upcoming industrial trends relating to nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology, being the main topic of the EuroNanoForum, is one of the Key Enabling Technologies of the Horizon 2020’s Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies pillar, offering potential for major breakthroughs in a wide range of materials, technologies and applications.
It has a strong role in supporting European competitiveness and Industrial Leadership, but also presents opportunities for the Societal Challenges of health, energy and the environment.
This year’s forum has attracted around 700 participants from all over Europe, as well as other international countries as far as Canada, Japan, Cuba, and Korea.