The economic development and competitiveness of Gozo is being fostered by the government through innovation, entrepreneurship and training opportunities. In support of these goals, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry for Gozo, MCAST, Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks, to ensure coordinated work and complete synergy to ensure a Gozitan workforce that is adaptable to future market needs.
Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo emphasized the importance of technological developments for today's world as such developments are impacting present jobs. At the same time, it is crucial to innovate Gozo's economy without destroying its charm. Urban infrastructure and economic growth must be combined with a sustainable environment including trees, gardens and flowers.
Minister Bartolo also stressed that while preparing tomorrow's workforce with the necessary digital skills, it is of vital importance that we upskill our people who work within various sectors such as the automotive industry, and the household appliances industry amongst other jobs which need to develop their knowledge and skills to keep up with the digital developments taking place. Lifelong learning is of utmost importance to address our skill gaps especially within the digital proficiency sphere.
Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana stated that this government's vision is to turn Gozo into a major contributor to the national economy and to create good quality jobs for the Gozitans to work in Gozo. Minister Caruana said that as ministry, we need to ensure that the workforce is ready to embrace change and the new opportunities that will arise and that is why the Ministry for Gozo together with MIP and ME signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MCAST so that we achieve our ambitions.
The minister said that the goal of the ministry is to establish Gozo as a centre of excellence, research and innovation, and to this end is doing its utmost to bring on board internationally known names.
"We already have Barts and Stewards in the medical field, Noovle which are premium partners with Google announced just a few months ago, and today we will have new tenants that will be given space in the Innovation Hub in Xewkija," said Minister Caruana.
Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Chris Cardona announced the setting up of the new tenant in the Gozo Innovation Hub; J2 Group, a Gozitan company, which is partnering up with Microsoft Corporation.
"As part of the government's commitment, the Xewkija Industrial Estate has been revitalised and now provides attractive spaces for emerging knowledge companies. The new Gozo Innovation Hub spread over 4,000 m2 at the former Malta Dairy Products site, will serve as another prestigious address for digital innovation. We believe that the partnerships we are officially announcing today, together with the laying down of the second fibre optic cable between Malta and Gozo, will entice more businesses to tap Gozo as a location for smart infrastructure, and smart solutions," said Minister Cardona.
J2 Group together with Microsoft Corporation, will be entering into dimensions of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, productivity and efficiency, and augmented reality amongst other innovations.
Through research and development, they will be conducting pilot projects in efficient ways to implement this technology and may give substantial contributions to many areas including health, tourism, traffic, supply-chain management and logistics.