The private-state interface : a social network analysis of the board of directors of Malta Enterprise and its predecessors

Abstract

Historically, the boards of the Industrial Development Commission (pre- Independence), the Malta Development Corporation (1967–2004), and Malta Enterprise (2004–present) have always included representatives of private enterprise. The Malta Enterprise Act (2003) requires the minister responsible for the corporation to appoint persons (amongst others) who appear to the minister to have experience and show ability in matters relating to (amongst others) industry, trade, finance and organizations of employers. Almost identical provisions may be found in the Malta Development Corporation Act (1967). Such organizations play an important role in economic development, mainly through policy and practice. They also provide an ‘interface’ between private enterprise and the state, between private interests and the public interest. This paper proposes a Social Network Analysis (SNA) of the board of directors of Malta Enterprise and its predecessors, including that of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Industries. Further data could also be gathered, especially from employers’ and workers’ associations, private entities such as Banks, or directorships of private enterprises, particularly those who had formed partnerships with other noted entrepreneurs who were on the boards of the studied entities.