An innovative project within the Directorate for Planning and Strategic Foresight is the Malta Education Foresight Forum (MEFF) which was established on 14th October 2024 with the goal of influencing the direction of education in Malta. This forum was created as a result of Malta’s participation in the LIMinal Project, an EU-funded partnership with Lithuania, Italy, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is a component of Malta’s National Education Strategy 2024–2030. The LIMinal Project was established with the goal of improving public sector anticipatory governance and strategic foresight. To foresee and suitably prepare for future educational issues, the MEFF was founded. However, it will also help us confront and successfully address the present issues that our educational system is facing. A number of education specialists, including educators, legislators, and important stakeholders, will assist with this. Consequently, the MEFF was split into three parts: the Steering Committee, the Network of Experts, and the Transformation Hub. The MEFF is supported by the Steering Committee and Network of Experts, which provide specific educational knowledge and invaluable insights to direct educational reforms. At the centre of the MEFF is the Transformation Hub, a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and creativity and enables educators and stakeholders to actively participate in the feedback and application process for educational policies. The MEFF guarantees that educators and all stakeholders actively participate in forming policies through specialised research and cooperation, establishing an ongoing feedback loop that guides both creation and implementation. A policy establishment was the Homework Policy, which was a positive outcome. This strategy guarantees that Malta’s educational system will continue to be progressive, adaptable to new challenges, and inclusive in its quest for curriculum improvement and educational advancement.

1. Steering Committee

The Steering Committee of MEFF is responsible for directing strategic foresight initiatives and ensuring stakeholder participation in educational planning. Composed of researchers, educators, legislators, industry leaders, and social partners, it conducts trend analysis, scenario planning, and strategic decision-making by identifying shifts in technology, demographics, and economics. The committee helps shape educational policies that are innovative and adaptable. It also emphasises capacity building by equipping stakeholders with forward-thinking techniques and fostering collaboration to share best practices. Through continuous monitoring and assessment, the committee ensures Malta’s education system remains resilient and future ready.



2. Network of Experts

The Network of Experts, including the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI), plays a key role in guiding MEFF’s strategic foresight initiatives. They provide expert knowledge, conduct research, and develop future scenarios to navigate educational challenges. Their trend analysis and risk assessment work help anticipate technological, societal, and policy shifts, allowing for better awareness. Additionally, they support policy development, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring informed decision-making through collaboration and expertise-sharing. Their contributions strengthen strategic foresight and promote proactive responses to educational transformations.



3. Transformation Hub

The Transformation Hub is a safe environment where students and educators can experiment with new educational concepts and technologies without real-world consequences. It encourages hands-on learning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Operating under the “Sandbox Concept,” the Hub provides a dynamic space for testing innovative ideas and methodologies, promoting adaptability and critical thinking. The Hub continuously gathers insights to refine educational policies, ensuring they are effective and progressive. Integrating research, feedback, and innovation is a component of Malta’s dynamic, inclusive, and progressive educational system.