Two strategies to boost the usage of ICT by society and enterprise were launched today by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA).
The new strategies titled Networked Society and Networked Enterprise out the Authority’s vision and a three year programme of initiatives to bring about wider
ICT adoption and use within society and amongst enterprises.
IT Minister Austin Gatt described the strategies as a bold drive to ensure that the benefits of technologies are enjoyed by everyone.
“Whilst Malta is fairing very positively against other EU countries in terms of the number of younger individuals making regular use of the Internet, we still have some 125,000 individuals, mostly adults and elderly, who do not use the Internet and are therefore unable to take part in any online activity, whether to communicate with family and friends abroad, to carry out their weekly shopping online or to make use of online banking facilities”.
“We have come so far in terms of technology availability and affordability; however we cannot rest on our laurels. Technology is continuously developing, becoming increasingly sophisticated and presenting even greater opportunities to its users. Unless we take action and prevent individuals from lagging behind, we will end up with a section of Maltese population that is excluded, marginalised and disadvantaged. Malta is already ahead of other countries where ICT usage by government is concerned. The Government is committed to these strategies as
this is the only way forward to create more quality jobs for everyone.”
The Networked Society, looks at societal trends and identifies the realities behind the digital divide where age and socio-economic factors remain the primary reasons for the lack of use of ICT. The strategy proposes a number of initiatives aimed at inspiring everyone to go online, facilitating ICT access and related opportunities, building digital skills and competencies, promoting ICT as a social equaliser and building better policy in this regard.
The Networked Enterprise strategy explores the opportunities and threats local
enterprises are experiencing in a global, digitally driven market and the impact on the
economy. The strategy identifies a need to support business leaders, who typically need access to most recent infrastructures and a legal and regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation and entrepreneurial flair. The strategy also identifies a need to support those enterprises that so far have resisted ICT integration. The strategy proposes a number of initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and motivation, building capacity, advancing eCommerce for local and global reach, facilitating new market opportunities and building a robust business environment conducive to growth.
Both strategies are available online and can be downloaded from htttp://www.mca.org.mt/networked-strategies