Experts from Google will be in Malta next week to inspire local start-ups and businesses in their quest to thrive in an online marketplace. 

The one-day Growing and Thriving Online seminar had generated immense enthusiasm, said event host and MEP Therese Comodini Cachia.

"This is a sign that we have embraced digital innovation and want to grasp the opportunities that digital tools offer," Dr Comodini Cachia said. "Google have from our first meeting been committed to provide this training and I am honoured to be able to host them."

Research has shown that SMEs that fully embrace the web grow up to four times faster than those without websites or digital marketing. They also create new jobs almost twice as fast and are 50 per cent more likely to sell products and services outside their region.

The European Commission also estimates that the EU faces a shortfall of 825,000 unfilled vacancies in ICT-related jobs by 2020. 

Dr Comodini Cachia said that the training would help participants innovate their business models and improve their digital skills. 

Google representative Enrico Bellini said: "We strongly believe in the power of the web for growing businesses, creating new jobs and helping local economies, especially in sectors with an export potential. That’s why 2 years ago we started a programme to help spreading digital skills through Europe and committed to train 2 million people by 2017.”

Polish MEP Michal Boni will also be taking part in the event. Making up for the EU's projected shortfall in ICT-trained workers would require a stronger digital presence in EU educational systems, he argued, "especially since 90 per cent of future jobs will require basic digital skills."

The Growing and Thriving Online seminar will run on Friday 15 June between 10am and 3pm. The event is fully booked.