Introducing Innovative Technologies to
address Societal Challenges
Dr Silvio De Bono
Chairman, MCAST
Outline
• Introduction
• Societal Challenges
• Addressing Societal Challenges
• MCAST Strategy
• Conclusion
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Introduction
MCAST in Numbers
• Established in 2001
• 10 Institutes + Gozo Centre
• 6,200+ Full Time Students
• 2,600+ Part Time Students
• 170+ full time courses
• 300+ part time courses
• MQF Level 1 to Level 6
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"To provide universally accessible
vocational and professional education
and training with an international
dimension, responsive to the needs of
the individual and the economy."
Introduction
Phases of MCAST Development
• Present Vocational Educational Training (VET) as a
viable alternative in the education of young people.
• Strong VET Quality Structure for parity of esteem
• Provide HR as per Industry requirements
Way Forward
Provision of Services to support Industry Local Needs
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Developments Creating Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Energy Use
Changing Economics
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Matching
MCAST Expertise to
Identified Societal Challenges
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Ageing Population
Engineering & ICT
Energy Use
Changing Economics
Geriatric Domotics
Wheels for all R&I Project
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Water Shortage
Applied Science
Energy Use
Changing Economics
Water Conservation
Water Technology Centre
Water Efficiency & Innovation Initiatives
Water Systems Control Initiatives
Water Quality Research Initiatives
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Energy Inefficient Buildings
Building & Construction
Engineering
Energy Use
Changing Economics
Energy Performance Buildings
Energy Performance in Buildings Initiatives
Renewable Energy Initiatives
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Environmental Challenges
Applied Science
Energy Use
Changing Economics
Applied Environmental Science Research
BioMass Research Initiatives
Biodiversity Research Initiatives
Enhanced biological control Research Initiatives
Ecological Engineering Research Initiatives
Pollination Research Initiatives
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Manufacturing
Manufacturing Engineering
Energy Costs
Changing Economics
Efficient Designs
Rapid Prototyping Initiatives
Process Improvement
Waste Analysis & Reduction Initiatives
Post Production
Composite Repair Initiatives
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Demographic Changes
Scarce Resources
Tourism
ICT and Business &
Commerce
Energy Use
Changing Economics
Business Intelligence
Intelligent Marketing
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Addressing Societal Challenges
Summary
Societal Challenge
Challenge for Malta
MCAST Strength Innovative Technology
Demographic Changes Ageing Population
Engineering & ICT
Geriatric Domotics
Scarce Resources
Water Shortage
Applied Science
Water Conservation
Energy Use
Energy Inefficient
Buildings
Bldg & Construction Energy Performance
Engineering
Buildings
Environmental
Challenges
Applied Science
Changing Economics
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Applied Environmental
Science Research
Declining Manufacturing Manufacturing
Sector
Engineering
Efficient Design
Process Improvement
Post Production
Tourism
Intelligent Marketing
ICT and Business
& Commerce
MCAST R&I Strategy addressing
Identified Societal Challenges
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Addressing Societal Challenges
MCAST Strategy
• Identification of Niche Areas
• Building of Research Capacity
• Awareness Building
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MCAST Strategy
addressing societal challenges
• Identification of Niche Areas
• Building of Research Capacity
• Awareness Building
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Identification of Niche Areas
• Pre-discussions with MCST
• In line with National Strategy
Geriatric Domotics
Water Conservation
Applied Environmental Sciences
Intelligent Energy Efficiency Buildings
High-end manufacturing and process optimisation
Embedded Systems and ICT as horizontal support areas
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MCAST Strategy
addressing societal challenges
• Identification of Niche Areas
• Building of Research Capacity
• Awareness Building
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Building of Research Capacity
• Expansion of MCAST Campus
• State of the Art Laboratories
• Consolidation of MCAST HR Structure
• Formation of Teams on Research Themes
• Collaboration with local and foreign stakeholders
• Participation in a number of Research Projects
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MCAST Strategy
addressing societal challenges
• Identification of Niche Areas
• Building of Research Capacity
• Awareness Building
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Awareness Building
• Utilisation of MCAST Gateway to Industry (MG2i)
• Provision of Consultancy Services
• Expanding into stronger collaboration with partners
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Conclusion
• MCAST Strategy aimed to address Societal Challenges
• Ready to explore the challenges of H2020
• Willing to collaborate in projects on identified niche areas
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Thank You
Questions ?
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