Intro
This section showcases a selection of ISDI’s ongoing and completed initiatives. Each project page highlights the programme, timeframe, ISDI role and a short narrative of objectives and outcomes. With a focused portfolio, we prioritise clarity and readability—allowing visitors to understand our contribution at a glance.
Flagship Project
MAELSTROM
MAELSTROM
is a flagship initiative focused on smart technologies and circular solutions to remove and manage marine litter, reducing impacts on coastal ecosystems while enabling reuse and recycling pathways. ISDI contributed with targeted expertise on circular approaches and recycling-oriented solutions, supporting activities aimed at strengthening stakeholder engagement and improving the visibility and transferability of results. In addition to its technical relevance, the project has gained strong recognition at European level through multiple awards and acknowledgements, underscoring the robustness of its approach and its potential for replication across different coastal contexts. Key facts: Horizon 2020 • 2021–2024 • ISDI role: circular solutions & dissemination
Ongoing projects
Interreg NEXT MED
CLUSTERATLAS4MED
ISDI is providing technical support to the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS Malta) within CLUSTERATLAS4MED, a 36-month Interreg NEXT MED thematic project designed to strengthen the competitiveness of rural tourism SMEs across the Mediterranean through a transnational meta-cluster model. The project focuses on digitalisation and data-driven decision-making, combining stakeholder engagement with practical support services for SMEs, including a Digital Readiness Index, a shared Data Dashboard, a training scheme, and a Joint Action Plan to sustain uptake beyond the project lifecycle.
Micro-labels: Interreg NEXT MED • 36 months – launched in 2025 •
ISDI: technical support to ITS Malta
Completed projects
MAELSTROM
MAELSTROM
Smart technologies and circular solutions to remove and manage marine litter, reducing impacts on coastal ecosystems while enabling reuse and recycling pathways. ISDI contributed to circular economy and recycling-focused components and supported dissemination activities, helping strengthen stakeholder engagement and awareness.
Micro-labels: Horizon 2020 • Completed •
ISDI: project partner
Geo-Tours Guides
Geo-Tours Guides
Blended training programme designed to enhance tour guides’ and travel agents’ skills in geotourism, supporting thematic tourism development and destination brand building. The project promoted practical learning resources and knowledge transfer to improve professional readiness and quality standards in the tourism sector.
Micro-labels: Erasmus+ (KA220-VET) • Completed • ISDI: project partner
WINBLUE
WINBLUE
Initiative dedicated to empowering women in the blue economy through upskilling, coaching and mutual learning—supporting women’s participation and leadership across key blue sectors. The project fostered capacity building and collaboration, contributing to more inclusive and forward-looking blue economy ecosystems.
Micro-labels: EMFAF • Completed •
ISDI: project partner
GEO4CIVHIC
GEO4CIVHIC
EU-funded Horizon 2020 initiative supporting innovative energy solutions for heritage-sensitive contexts. ISDI participated as an official consultant to Din l-Art Ħelwa – National Trust of Malta, providing advisory support connected to a pioneering shallow geothermal pilot in Valletta. The experience illustrates how technical innovation can be explored within complex heritage environments, balancing feasibility, sustainability objectives and replication potential.
Micro-labels: Horizon 2020 • Completed •
ISDI: consultant to Din l-Art Ħelwa (Malta)