We all are very well aware of the crucial importance for consistent economic growth and jobs creation. That is why this government is determined to create a legislative and administrative framework and environment that further encourages both local and foreign business investment in different sectors of our economy. We want economic growth that reaches everyone, and that unleashes the potential of our talented and dynamic people while applying digital technology in an innovative and effective way to reach our objectives.
The intelligent and smart application of technology results in processes, products and markets that positively stimulate the economy. We are placing great emphasis on initiatives that help individuals enhance their digital literacy skills and knowledge, and become digitally proficient at home, in their studies and at their workplace. We want technology to help us get closer to the citizen, to drastically reduce bureaucracy and to improve the delivery of services. Moreover, technology must be viewed as a business tool, with information seen as a corporate asset.
Malta has a good reputation with respect to information technology but we will not simply rest on our laurels. We must refresh what we already do and ensure we capitalise on opportunities presented by the advent of new technologies and trends on an on-going basis. As an example, we all know that social networks are becoming increasingly important and part of our everyday lives and therefore we need to also evaluate methods for exploiting social media in line with our objectives. We will also analyse the potential of open source software and cloud computing and we shall promote information and computer technology (ICT) centres of excellence.
ICT and Digital Literacy are to be established as a subject from early years, sitting alongside mathematics and the sciences as a comprehensive learning ‘package’. The government will invest in e-Learning Programmes and e-Platforms while a free tablet computer will be made available to all Year 4 children besides teachers and learning support assistants. Every citizen should have access to free WiFi access across more public spaces within Malta and Gozo and we are currently in the process of identifying such locations.
The government has already initiated an internal process to ensure a robust legislative and regulatory framework for businesses to work within, and in order to sustain our competitive edge. Measures and various initiatives will also be taken to streamline the necessary interaction between businesses and Government, and a range of e-business applications will be launched for businesses to work more effectively from their office in complying with Government regulations, thus rendering them more efficient.
Malta can attract and cultivate creative industries through various initiatives. These include continued support for the iGaming and the digital gaming industry, support for the local software industry, and a supporting environment for more focused research and innovation. We intend to invest in the government ICT infrastructure and systems to maintain an appropriate level of technological advancement and to capitalise on digital trends. We will address and review the quality of service and the service level agreements that the government commits to. The Government will also ensure that ‘data security’ is given due importance and that the services being delivered are cost effective and are delivering their intended value also through, amongst others, value added audits.
We shall assist local businesses to adopt the principle of ‘Born Global’, as we are confident that many local businesses from different sectors of the economy have the skills, potential and creativity to also make an impact on the global scenario, well beyond our shores.
Government is a main player within the economy. A more accountable government will improve the public administration and its relationship with the public through the adoption of the ‘open government concept’, to increase and enhance transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Government’s decisions and the online publication of proposed laws to ensure that the public can effectively contribute to their drafting. The new Government administration shall also be promoting the transformation of government services to encourage the ‘self-service’ concept, again reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency.
There are many challenges and ambitious objectives ahead but they are also undoubtedly very exciting ones. We will ensure that all Government agencies and authorities within my portfolio, and also others across Government, are appropriately aligned and collaborate together effectively for the achievements of our objectives in this field. Malta must and shall stay well ahead in this sector because one thing we surely believe in is that our future economic growth depends crucially also on technology. The intelligent application of digital technology through motivated and empowered individuals is a key pillar for the successful achievement of the Digital Economy that we are aiming at. This will, in turn, render consistent economic growth for the benefit of all.
Dr Edward Zammit Lewis is Parliamentary Secretary for Competiveness and Economic Growth
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