Real competitive advantage comes to countries that differentiate between, and sustain, what they have to offer through education, innovation and productivity.

In order for our country to prosper and compete, we must stimulate long-term prosperity using technology. In fact, there is no problem too large that innovation and entrepreneurship cannot resolve.

Despite the small size of our country, our thriving and fast-paced economy is on a par with the largest economies of the European Union. This is no coincidence: it is the result of diligent strategic planning coupled with competent, enthusiastic and brilliant minds working together with one aim: to create an economically viable, sustainable and equitable democracy that is the envy of many countries.

 

Gozo’s innovation hub

This aim is at the core of the Government’s determination to see our islands at the forefront when it comes to in innovation – particularly technological innovation. During a recent activity in Gozo, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that both Gozo and Malta are fast becoming ‘the islands of innovation’.

The path leading to this statement began two years ago. Our country made headlines across the world and was declared to be ‘The World’s Blockchain Island’.

We were the first nation in the world to create and implement a legal framework by which blockchain technology could be regulated and held accountable and transparent. The aim of this legislation was to provide legal certainty to blockchain industries, bolster our financial services and pave the way for other European countries to follow suit. Today we can acclaim to be a worldwide reference point in this sector.

New advances in the world of digital technology are like links in a chain: each link leads to the creation of new links and becomes an integral part of the whole. Following our success in the Blockchain sector, it is now our aim to build a regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things.

 

Ambitious vision

Last Tuesday, a Memorandum of Understanding based on sharing knowledge on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Robotics was signed between the Ministry for Gozo, on behalf of the Gozitan business community, MCAST, Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks. This MOU was developed to enable Gozo and Gozitan-based enterprises to become competitive in the Artificial Intelligence Sector and to tackle the skills gap this new technology has created.

Students who have the aptitude and drive to be part of the Government’s ambitious vision on AI will be given the tools to advance in their studies and become experts in this field. Gozitan students will experience this technology first hand: they will be connected virtually to lectures and talks being held in Malta from the comfort of the Gozo MCAST Campus.

Statistics show that Gozitan students are higher achievers in academia. Indeed at any given academic level, the number of graduates per 1,000 students in Gozo is higher than that recorded in Malta. This shows that, relatively speaking, there is a higher incidence of Gozitan graduates and augurs that adequate Gozitan talent will, without doubt, be found and nurtured.

This MOU is a strong statement that, yes, Gozo will be part of the Government’s vision for Artificial Intelligence and that our students and entrepreneurs have the right credentials to legitimately participate in this exciting new sector.

 

Labour’s vision for Gozo

The new Gozo Innovation Hub in Xewkija – a prestigious address for digital innovation – was in the spotlight at the MOU signing. It is further proof of Labour’s vision for Gozo, an integral part of the Government’s plans to promote the country as a worldwide leader in technology. The hub – the first building of its kind on the islands – will soon be a beacon for this sector. We are aiming to accommodate the best companies dealing in Innovative ICT Technologies, which includes AI and Machine Learning.

It is estimated that, over the next five years, around 15 companies will be operating from this space, creating approximately 90 new jobs. I am convinced that the new hub will take off with flying colours because the Gozitan entrepreneurial spirit comes to the fore particularly when faced with innovative concepts and challenges.

However, this vision cannot materialise without supplying the best conditions for the technology business to flourish in Gozo. Reliable internet connectivity is the foundation of any technical operation and while the infrastructure in Gozo is already of the highest standard, a technical gap analysis – specifically commissioned to study this situation – clearly highlighted the fact that the island could not depend on just one fibre optic cable.

 

Support and sustainability

Indeed, the Gozo Innovation Hub will not be sustainable without further investment that will deliver certainty and reliability to the technology business. These businesses are dependent on an internet service which is secure 365 days a year, with secondary or emergency systems that can kick in if necessary.

This is why the Government is investing €3.5m in national funds for an ancillary cable that will connect the two islands. This will enable Gozo-based companies to take their output to the next level and incentivise businesses to settle on the island.

Our vision to plan and invest in the right infrastructure as an enabler for business growth is generating results. I have said publicly on several occasions that it is not numbers we are after but big names, which will place Gozo on the international map. We already have Barts and Stewards in the health sector and recently Noovle, a Google premium partner, who is the first tenant to operate out of the Innovation Hub. Now we also announcing that Microsoft will follow suit.

 

Our commitment

Labour’s commitment to provide quality jobs for Gozitans in Gozo is clear and tangible. Entrepreneurs and gifted Gozitan students are being encouraged to embrace and contribute to the Government’s aim of becoming a leading AI authority worldwide and ensure that Gozitans remain on the island rather than moving away or emigrating for lack of quality jobs.

Gozo is an integral part of this vision. To quote our Prime Minister: “If Malta is the place to do business, then Gozo is the place to do business smartly.”

The Gozo Ministry, together with Malta Enterprise, will continue to build on the success story of incentives to businesses. Through these incentives, entrepreneurs have been – and are still being – encouraged to set shop on the island. This is helping in the creation of more quality jobs for Gozitans in Gozo. Meanwhile, the Gozo Ministry, together with Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks, is evaluating the possibility of issuing further incentives to the manufacturing industry in Gozo so they can begin using new technologies to further improve their productivity, work leaner and maximise their output and competitive edge.

I am convinced that history will prove that, through these incentives, the Gozitan entrepreneurial spirit will come to the fore and Gozo’s economic and social fabric will flourish and be strengthened. This will be thanks to the solid infrastructural and industrial requirements being addressed so firmly today. Gozo will become a centre of excellence that will attract leading international companies to our shores whilst retaining its natural and socio-cultural charm – the place to be for work and leisure – the finest jewel in the Mediterranean Sea.

 

A tribute - Paul Mizzi

I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family and relatives of Paul Mizzi, a Gozitan pioneer in the publication of Maltese books, who passed away last Monday. His love of our history, and his selfless endeavours to promote and encourage new authors and chroniclers to publish their works in Maltese, has ensured that our language and culture continue to flourish and hold their ground. He will be fondly remembered, and deeply missed, by those – who like me – spent many hours reading and studying his publications and learning and savouring our rich Melitensia and unique language.