Operational Programme II - Priority Axis 1 specifically aims to help Malta become a knowledge-based, competitive economy. It aims to invest in human capital in order to increase the overall participation rates in education at all levels, thereby increasing and upgrading the knowledge and skills levels of the labour force.

The financial allocation for this Priority Axis amounts to €37,400,000 of which €31,790,000 are Community Funding (European Social Fund).

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Operational Objectives

This Priority Axis also aims to reach a number of operational objectives: 

1. To increase student participation in general fields of study at a further or higher level of education.
2. To increase student participation rates in science, technology and ICT education at a further or higher level of education.
3. To improve the quality or relevance of the educational experience.

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Broad Target Groups

The broad target groups of this axis, per operational objective, are:

1. Students; young people and adults outside the formal education system; educators; professionals; administrators
2. Pupils; students; young people and adults outside the formal education system; educators; professionals; administrators; parents; researchers; government agencies; industry; general public
   Pupils; students; young people and adults outside the formal education system; educators; professionals; administrators; parents.

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Focus Areas of Intervention

The focus areas of intervention identified by this Priority Axis are:

• Investing in the Education System
• Addressing skills mismatches
• Research and innovation
• Information and Communication Technology
• Innovative Activities

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Further Information:

• Main page on Operational Programme II.
• Download Operational Programme II for further detail. Information on the Priority Axes can be found in Chapter IV of OPII.