Digital a key enabler for a Future-Proof Malta
Written by Andre Damato
As Malta sets out in developing an economic vision for the next 10 years, befitting a nation of courage, compassion and achievement, it is evident that digital technology will play a very important role in achieving this. Malta’s new economic vision being championed by Economic Minister Hon Silvio Schembri, identifies five pillars – quality of life, infrastructure, education, environment and governance as the essential building blocks of Malta’s new prosperity. These are aimed in transforming Malta into a just, digital, carbon-neutral economy with world-class infrastructure, education and governance.
The vision which is currently at consultation phase, harps on leveraging digital to drive productivity and competitiveness, facilitating the way Malta does business and enhancing our quality of life.
The pandemic brought about a sudden shift in how consumers order and transact for goods and services, limited social interaction resulted in many businesses and the public administration rapidly pivoting in running operations and servicing customers virtually. As the economic scenario is quickly developing and rapidly changing, business will require the adaptation of business models to changing realities, prioritising investments in digital tools and platforms and upskilling their workers. Yet, it is not be only business which would need to adapt to this development, Malta’s public administration needs to continue adopting modern digitally enabled tools and customer outreach methods towards providing high level of service to businesses and society.
MITA as Malta’s Information Technology Agency, plays a pivotal role in supporting government in achieving agility and productively in this ever-evolving environment. We understand that as we move forward and go beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the demands and expectations on government and our Agency will grow further. Whilst during the pandemic digital technology was key in achieving business continuity, digital technology will now further serve as a means in increasing productivity, availability and efficiency, leveraging a modern digital ecosystem towards further value creation.
MITA will be there in supporting Malta’s digital future, the Agency will continue pursuing investment in innovative technologies, information security and systems and centralised platforms, supported by a resilient backbone infrastructure, whilst continuing investment in our human capital.
Our country’s economic vision will set in ensuring Malta’s future success by placing emphasising on community vitality, virtualisation and innovative solutions to position the country as a flourishing ‘digital island of the future’ and amongst the best global economies with national competitiveness as its core value.
Malta’s recently launched National Post-Pandemic Strategy, as championed by Minister Hon Owen Bonnici also highlights the weight of digital technology, not just as an avenue for economic growth, but also as a means to build inclusion and wellbeing in society. The strategy describes that if Malta seizes the opportunity now, our nation can emerge from the pandemic stronger, more flexible and with better global connectivity than ever before.
Malta’s policy makers have identified various potential tech-empowered niche sectors which nurture digitalisation, innovation and creativity such as digital educational technology and services (EdTech), technology driven regulatory solutions (RegTech), public sector blockchain solutions and even autonomous marine vessels. Malta’s size and strategic location and continued investment in digital also make us not just a perfect testbed for new technologies but also as the ideal launchpad for cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence solutions.
Over the years Malta has acted as a trailblazer in various fields and sectors; over the coming months and years, it will be our courage and compassion which will allow us to move forward in achieving growth whilst positively impacting our society’s way of life, and making of Malta future proof.
Our country’s economic vision will set in ensuring Malta’s future success by placing emphasising on community vitality, virtualisation and innovative solutions to position the country as a flourishing ‘digital island of the future’ and amongst the best global economies with national competitiveness as its core value.