Focus Group Workshop in Malta: Innovation Pathways at the Water–Climate–Heritage Nexus

Last week, the SD-WISHEES project hosted its Focus Group Workshop on Innovation Pathways at the Water–Climate–Heritage Nexus at the National Water Conservation Awareness Centre in Għajn, Malta. The event brought together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from across Europe, the Balkans, and Africa to discuss how research and innovation results can be more effectively applied, disseminated, and scaled to strengthen cultural heritage resilience under increasing hydroclimatic pressures.

The workshop featured lively discussions and knowledge sharing. Participants explored challenges and opportunities for research uptake, co-developed ideas for innovation pathways, and reflected on enablers and barriers to effective dissemination.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

• Art as an enabler for societal uptake: Art in its many forms emerged as a powerful tool to support the uptake and dissemination of research and innovation results, particularly in engaging the general public.
• Funding for communication and dissemination experts: Even when funding calls include communication and dissemination activities, the lack of dedicated resources for specialists in these areas remains a barrier to broad R&I impact.
• Continuity and follow-up funding for market uptake: Sustainable follow-up funding is crucial to allow the development of tools and methods from lower to higher TRLs, ensuring that research and innovation results in heritage and hydroclimatic risk are effectively implemented and reach the market.

Photos and posters from the workshop are available below, showcasing the diversity of perspectives and ongoing work across projects and disciplines.

The workshop was coordinated by Marta Ducci, Roger Street, and Sarah Opitz-Stapleton (CMCC Foundation) and organised in collaboration with the Energy and Water Agency, with the support of partners including PRIMA, CNR, WEG, and ISPRA.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and contributing projects for their engagement and insights, as well as to the facilitation team and our welcoming host Luke Farrugia (EWA) for making this workshop a success.