In a business meeting organised the Malta Business Bureau, Herbert Rastbichler managing director and vice-president Enterprise Business for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), stated his view that “ICT enables better business and the perception that investment in ICT is a cost has changed significantly.”

Mr Rastbichler was addressing the audience at the MBB’s business seminar entitled ‘Managing ICT Investments in Challenging Times’, which was organised in conjunction with the Malta Chamber’s IT Business Section. The event brought together a number of experts in the field of ICT, including Mr Rastbichler (who works to develop stronger relationships and key alliances with both business and governments in all major CEE Countries), Mr Andreas Wais (director Enterprise Services European Emerging Markets for HP), Mr Claudio Grech (chairman of the Malta Information Technology Agency) and Mr Keith Fearne (chairman, Malta Chamber’s IT Business Section).

In his presentation, Mr Rastbichler discussed the changing role that ICT is playing in ensuring that businesses – no matter their size or area of operation – improve efficiency and competitiveness. “In the wake of the global economic downturn, the main aim of business is to ensure competitiveness and we have perceived a clear shift in the way ICT is perceived in this regard – from being seen as cost, now ICT is often seen as a major business-enabler,” he said.

Mr Rastbichler continued to explain that in the today’s technological reality, businesses are faced with numerous challenges – namely the economic slowdown and its effect on demand, information explosion and aging applications, all of which demand that business entities and entire industries respond to these challenges with speed and agility.

“Experience has shown that available ICT applications and solutions can in fact provide a more efficient way of operating, enabling a more cost effective way of operating and competing within an industry. In this respect, it must be kept in mind that the willingness and ability to be flexible and to allow room for innovation, is absolutely essential,” he pointed out. “On some occasions the process of change and adaptation will mean that a business needs to set aside time for a critical – yet constructive – analysis of the way in which it is operating. It is only then that the potential use of ICT applications for greater efficiency and cost effectiveness can be identified and adopted.”

In the panel discussion that followed the main presentations made during the seminar, all members of the panel agreed with the points raised by Mr Rastbichler. Mr Keith Fearne, who acted as moderator, expressed his opinion that despite the challenging economic times, the ICT industry could be pinpointed as one of the few ‘success stories’.

“Despite the slowdown, the ICT industry has managed to maintain its momentum and this is partly due to the significant shift in business mentality, where ICT’s role in achieving efficiency, cost effectiveness and better competitiveness is now being recognised more readily,” he stated. “With the world going through a recovery phase after the economic downturn of last year, ICT budgets are still tight. Business decision-makers face a situation where they need to invest in ICT to keep ahead and be innovative, whilst balancing other expenditure. It is time for a healthy discussion about these issues.”

Mr Claudio Grech, Chairman of MITA, also agreed with this and presented the Agency, which he heads, as a prime example of ICT and innovation can reap beneficial results. “We have long advocated investment in systems that give a greater return on investment – in terms of financial gains as well as quality gains. With this mentality and drive, MITA has managed to create and maintain a ‘service-focus’ and we have also managed to top the European levels of e-Government,” he explained.

According to newly appointed MBB president, Mr John A. Huber, “the increasingly important role played by the ICT sector in other economic areas should be given heightened importance. Building on the potential of this industry and seizing the opportunities it presents is essential and the Malta Business Bureau will continue in its efforts to ensure that opportunities for discussion and knowledge transfer are provided to the local business community.”