https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/699 2026-10-27T05:32:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150458 Title: Budgeting for Malta’s blue economy Abstract: Did you know that Malta’s Blue Economy directly employed around 26,400 people and generated approximately €1 billion in Gross Value Added in 2023, representing 8.9% of national employment and 5.4% of national GVA? It encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including coastal tourism, ports and maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, marine renewable energy and emerging technologies. Coastal tourism alone accounts for half of Malta’s Blue Economy GVA. In this opinion piece, I discuss the sector’s economic importance and the need for investment in maritime infrastructure, connectivity, skills, environmental sustainability and coordinated governance. I also argue that a sustainable and equitable Blue Economy must consider coastal communities, workers’ rights, fishing livelihoods, public access, Social Impact Assessment and people’s quality of life. The Blue Economy should be measured not only by the wealth and employment it generates, but also by its social and environmental impacts. 2026-10-25T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150387 Title: Budgetary investment in the social Abstract: In this opinion piece, I argue that Budget 2027 should invest in understanding social dimensions of policymaking. Drawing on MSA - Malta Sociological Association proposals, I highlight the importance of sociological research, Social Impact Assessment and evidence-based policymaking that considers people’s lived experiences. 2026-10-11T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150299 Title: The latest political survey Abstract: In this opinion piece I refer to the latest Malta Today survey (October 2026). I look beyond party support and leader trust to discuss abstention, political loyalty, everyday experiences and the importance of credible electoral research. I also reflect on how issues such as electricity disruptions may influence public opinion, and why the loudest narratives do not necessarily reflect the wider electorate. 2026-10-18T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149881 Title: Considering suitable research methods for islands Authors: McMahon, Elizabeth; Baldacchino, Godfrey Abstract: The last 30 years have seen the consolidation of island studies as a field of research with particular imperatives and methodologies of interest to geographers and others, and not least the readers of this journal. This consolidation has been achieved through a range of strategies and practices from the involvement of government agencies and island development legislation and plans to the establishment of academic associations, dedicated scholarly journals, large-scale publishing projects in diverse locations and languages, conferences, interdisciplinary forums, postgraduate programmes of study, and collaborative research (including special journal sections, as here). [excerpt] 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z