Malta shows a mixed performance in information society development

Public and private investment in information and communication technology (ICT) is bearing fruit, finds the Commission's annual progress report on i2010 – the digitally-led strategy for growth and jobs. Technology is fuelling innovation and productivity, and there are signs of fundamental change in markets and user behaviour, as Europe moves towards a knowledge-based economy.

The country factsheet on Malta however says that "Although data is incomplete, Malta shows a mixed performance in the few available indicators for information society development".

The factsheet says

"The percentage of broadband subscriptions is just below the EU average and has shown slow growth compared to previous years. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) accounts for more than half of all broadband connections. Despite only slightly below average broadband penetration, a market for paid audiovisual online content has not materialised so far, possibly due to the market's limited size and average broadband speeds.

eGovernment supply for citizens is measured as the highest in Europe, whereas enterprise supply is slightly below normal. The number of enterprises interacting online with public authorities was higher in 2005 than the EU average of 2006. Schools are very well connected, scoring second in Europe, but the availability of computers and teacher use in classroom is only average.

User skills levels in ICT in the workforce are among the highest in the EU. Expert level skills are, however, now below average. Enterprise connectivity and technology use was in 2005 generally already above the EU average of 2006, so it seems safe to assume that Malta here performs above average.

The ICT sector in Malta is well-developed and the government aims at attracting more ICT companies: a National ICT Framework aims to make Malta a better place to invest and various measures are improving digital skills among workers.

The SmartCity@Malta initiative aims to attract "knowledge-based activities by leading global players in the field". The project has attracted foreign direct investment and is expected to create over 5000 mostly ICT-related jobs.

Digital Skills: A number of initiatives that address employment in the ICT sector and general ICT competencies are being implemented. They include an eWork Framework, a National ICT Skills Framework, ICT certifications for students and the unemployed, fiscal incentives to encourage education in ICT and science, an ICT student placement programme, and academic initiatives developed in partnership with Microsoft, Cisco, SAP and IBM."

Full reports available here.