Today we are experiencing a reality where in the context of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, which includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are indeed experiencing concrete changes to our lives. In this case it must be mentioned that AI is the collection of multiple technologies that allow machines to detect, understand, act and learn either on their own or to replicate human activities. AI is considered as an important component and at the same time an accelerator of the rapid digital transformation.

Digital-mediated change is not happening at any age, social group or in a particular country or profession but happening across the board. As mature responsible adults we understand how important it is that we create a mind shift within our rising generation of children to build an attitude towards profitable change. This is important in context of the fact that the relationship between digital transformation and economic growth is of substantial importance. Embracing this digital transformation positively affects growth and development.

Yet the effect of this digital convergence evokes the need of a people who are equipped with the mindset to propel us forward. In this case we are also experiencing challenges on how to best equip those who are in more advanced stages of schooling and education to make sure they can find a place in this new environment. We currently have a workforce who has been educated to work in analogue environments and an ageing population whom, while aware of the changes in technology and easier opportunities to keep in contact with their loved ones, are struggling to make best use of ever-changing handheld devices and the norms of social media.

Massive digital transformations are affecting the economies of many countries and are bringing with them many promised merits, as well as many challenges. Digital transformation can ease matters for some, while making life harder for others. It could be an engine for speeding up the growth of the economy, while at the same time it could be hindering this growth if the appropriate framework for its incorporation does not exist. The impacts are still uncertain and will depend on several factors including the level of development, the level of unemployment and the size of the population.

Many people say they want to digitise their business. But should one digitise an entire business by automating everything, connecting the unconnected devices and replace humans with robots? Not really because in between there is an important element – “us”. We can and must embrace the transformation that is coming but we cannot do so by abandoning the human element.

This is not something that enterprises can implement as projects, but it is a mindset to move towards the customer-driven strategic business. It depends on people and how well they are groomed up to adopt a digital transformation journey. People must be trained, but more than trained; the employees need to see the need for this shift because if they do not then they will not be capable to work in this new environment.

For the Maltese economy to succeed we must motivate and encourage a national digital transformation which is upon us. This cannot be done just by those who are in charge but by each and every one of us, where we must understand the need for this change. We all want a better life for our children and our families but to do so we must start embracing the digital transformation today.

Let us not see this change as a threat but as an opportunity that can benefit us all.

Ray Abela is a candidate for PL on 1st and 3rd District

www.rayabela.com; email: [email protected]