The major contributor to development is the use of modern technology and society’s access to knowledge. Access to ICT, and making use of its full potential, is crucial in today’s world. The use of the internet plays a major role as a medium for economic and social development on both national and individual level.
One objective of the European Union is to make sure that Europe’s businesses, governments and citizens continue to play a leading role in shaping and participating in the global know-ledge and information based economy. This will further stimulate economic growth and make the 27 member states more competitive in the global market.
The internet is one of the key drivers of the information society. For this reason, the Commission has drawn up a strategy to encourage and increase its use, with three main objectives:
to provide a faster and more secure internet access; to create an entrepreneurial Europe via the internet and to build an inclusive information society for everyone.
The rate of internet penetration is continuing to rise considerably in EU countries. At the same time, harmful content, particularly for children, and abusive material can still be accessed and continues to develop. The Safer Internet Plus (2005-2008) programme has been adopted to promote safer use of the internet and protect end users against undesirable content.
The programme’s aim is to foster the internet-related industry while supporting its safer use and fighting illegal and harmful content. The new programme has been broadened to include the new media and is explicitly designed to combat racism and spam while at the same time focusing closely on the users – parents, educators and children.
A major indicator of a country’s friendliness to the internet must surely be the number of services that are provided online by the Government. In a study carried out by Eurostat (the European Union’s statistical arm) in 2006, Malta ranked third in e-government online availability, with only Austria and Estonia managing to do better.
When this same study was carried out back in 2004, our country was among the lowest ranking countries. This proves that the government’s vision of seeing our country as a centre of excellence in ICT is having the desired results.
During the same period, Maltese people’s access to the internet continued to improve, with more users preferring to opt for broadband internet rather then dial-up. An increase of approximately 10 per cent occurred between 2004 and 2006. Once again, Malta was placed high among the 27 EU member states and together with Estonia topped the list among the 2004 enlargement group of countries. Once again, this proves that the policy to improve the country’s knowledge of ICT and accessibility is having the desired effect.
In the period between 2003 and 2005, internet access among entrepreneurs increased by 12 per cent. This means that up to 2005, 78 per cent of businesses with 10 or more employees had access to broadband internet – either ADSL or cable.
The use of modern technology is not limited to the internet but also includes other communication media. In a study carried by Eurostat, there were 325,000 mobile phone subscriptions in Malta in 2005. This is a large number, considering that our population only exceeded the 400,000 mark this year.
Another sector that is linked to communications, and that is helping our economy to develop its potential, is the call-centre industry. Offering a professional service, while at the same time exploring niche markets, allows this industry to develop and create new jobs. During Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s recent visit to Australia, the Maltese- Australian Chamber of Commerce explained the work being done to encourage Australian businesses to invest in opening call-centres in our country.
The investment that is being made in ICT and education is providing more potential to attract high quality investors to Malta and generate better jobs. The setting up of new companies that prefer Malta over other countries is a credit to the professionalism of the Maltese worker. Companies such as HSBC, Tecom Investments, Lufthansa Teknik and Actavis have preferred to invest their finances here instead of looking for cheaper solutions. This proves that quality is much more appreciated than quantity.
Back in 2003, when the Nationalist Party, in its election manifesto, suggested that our country would become a centre for ICT, some thought this was too far-fetched. This has not been the case and in just four years, we have developed a reputation in the field. The next step is to start our own research and development projects, so that we will be leaders of the industry. This is projected in the new pre-budget document and to ensure its implementation requires the re-election of the Nationalist Party.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
[email protected]
www.davidcasa.com