The strengths and weaknesses that SmartCity Malta faces were highlighted by the organisation's chief operating officer, Chris Cole. at a meeting with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malta.

Mr Cole said that Malta ticks the right boxes of success with its multi-lingual and skilled knowledge-workers, the government's strong commitment and vision to an ICT future, EU membership, social and economic stability, cost-advantage when compared to European standards and a safe and secure environment.

However, there are certain limitations too, which Mr Cole insisted should not be misinterpreted as obstacles, and these include a limited domestic market for ICT, low economies of scale, small-sized local talent pool, a low profile in global ICT industry, paucity of global industry linkages and the present absence of ICT clusters.

He explained that SmartCity Malta is a joint venture between SmartCity and the government of Malta. Their mutual aim is to be recognised as the "predominant ICT and media business park provider in the Mediterranean region" while assisting in the creation of knowledge-based clusters within self-sustained townships.

Mr Cole, who was speaking in Boardroom Meeting series, said SmartCity Malta will create the right atmosphere for businesses, ranging from multinationals to start-ups, with a one-stop-shop experience aiming to ease the process of setting up and a hassle-free operation. The SmartCity model is successful as it facilitates operations' businesses, allowing them to concentrate on their core performance and success without red tape.

SmartCity Malta will also bring about a "network of opportunities" with other knowledge-industry centres. ICT and media businesses operating from SmartCity Malta will be able to expand globally through the SmartCity network and have easier access to different markets, talent pools, possibilities of business partnership and sharing of market intelligence. The way the SmartCity concept is structured also facilitates ICT and media companies to invest and develop competencies in niche sectors.

Mr Cole explained that SmartCity Malta will not only offer opportunities to ICT and media businesses but also to other amenities that are required to fulfil the SmartCity lifestyle.

Organised by JCI Malta, the Boardroom Meeting is a series of interviews with entrepreneurs. During each session, the guests share their personal and professional experiences and field questions by members and the public on any particular project or practice.

www.jci.org.mt

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