Malta’s ICT Achievements and Gender Imbalance

Malta’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector is undergoing significant changes, reflecting both advancements and ongoing challenges. The European Commission’s 2024 Digital Decade Country Report highlights Malta’s notable progress in certain areas while also underscoring persistent issues that need addressing. This detailed analysis provides an overview of Malta’s ICT landscape, focusing on its achievements, current challenges, and recommendations for future improvement.

Current ICT Landscape in Malta

Malta’s ICT sector has seen substantial growth and development in recent years. According to the 2024 Digital Decade Country Report, the share of ICT specialists in Malta stands at 4.7%, which is slightly below the EU average of 4.8%. Despite this relatively modest figure, Malta has demonstrated significant progress in several areas of digital infrastructure and technology adoption.

Gender Disparity in ICT

One of the most pressing issues highlighted by the report is the gender disparity within the ICT sector. Only 13.8% of ICT specialists in Malta are women, illustrating a significant gender imbalance. This under-representation of women in ICT roles is a critical challenge that reflects broader issues of gender diversity within the industry.

Advancements in Digital Infrastructure

Malta has made notable strides in improving its digital infrastructure. The report praises the country’s achievements in expanding Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) networks, which have significantly enhanced connectivity. By 2020, Malta achieved 100% coverage for Very High Capacity Networks (VHCN), and by 2022, it reached full basic 5G coverage. These milestones indicate a robust commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and ensuring widespread access to high-speed connectivity.

Adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Technologies

Over the past year, Maltese enterprises have made considerable progress in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies. The report notes that 68.3% of Maltese enterprises have integrated AI, cloud, or data analytics into their operations. This figure is notably higher than the EU average of 54.6%, highlighting Malta’s competitive edge in leveraging advanced technologies.

Challenges in ICT Specialist Recruitment

Despite these advancements, Malta faces ongoing challenges in addressing the ICT specialist shortage. The University of Malta estimates a skills gap of approximately 1:6, meaning there are six open ICT positions for every skilled local individual available. This disparity underscores the urgent need to address the supply-demand imbalance within the sector.

Mathematical Competency and Educational Challenges

Another challenge is the decline in mathematical competency among younger students. The report suggests that integrating coding and technology-related skills into early education could help mitigate this issue. By enhancing mathematical and technological skills at a younger age, Malta can better prepare students for careers in ICT and other technology-driven fields.

National e-Skills Strategy and Future Recommendations

The National e-Skills Strategy aims to address the shortage of digital skills by improving educational and training opportunities. The report encourages Malta to enhance cooperation with industry and civil society to better align education and training with labor market needs. Additionally, there is a call to encourage more women to pursue careers in ICT to address the gender imbalance and expand the talent pool.

Basic Digital Skills and Growth

In terms of basic digital skills, Malta performs well above the EU average. As of 2023, 63% of the Maltese population possesses basic digital skills, compared to the EU average of 55.6%. However, the annual growth rate in digital skills is slower than in other countries, with only a 1.8% increase since 2021. This slower growth rate indicates a need for more dynamic approaches to improving digital literacy.

SME Sector and Digital Intensity

The ICT ecosystem within Malta’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector is described as “very dynamic.” In 2023, 76.5% of SMEs reported having at least a basic level of digital intensity. This is a positive sign of digital adoption within the SME sector. However, the percentage of fixed broadband subscriptions with speeds of 1 Gbps or higher remains relatively low at 11.7%, compared to the EU average of 18.5%.

Gigabit Networks and Connectivity

Malta has made significant investments in gigabit connectivity, with two nationwide networks—GO plc and Melita Ltd—providing high-speed services. GO plc operates a fiber and copper network, while Melita Ltd offers full nationwide HFC (Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial) coverage. Epic Communications Ltd also provides gigabit connections but only in part of Malta. The report highlights GO’s plans to phase out its copper network, reflecting a move towards more advanced connectivity solutions.

Digital Public Services and eHealth

Malta’s progress in digital public services is commendable. The country has achieved the EU target of providing 100% access to key public services online through the e-ID system. Additionally, Malta has made significant improvements in eHealth, with citizens having online access to most electronic health data. The overall eHealth maturity score has risen to 88 in 2023, surpassing the EU-27 average of 79.1.

Public Concerns and Issues

Public concerns regarding the misuse of personal data and fake news are significant in Malta. According to a Eurobarometer survey, 52% of Maltese respondents are worried about data misuse, while 42% are concerned about fake news and disinformation. Hate speech also has a notable impact on Maltese online services, with 39% of the population feeling its significant effects—well above the EU average of 22%.

Conclusion

Malta’s ICT sector is characterized by both notable achievements and significant challenges. While the country excels in digital infrastructure, technology adoption, and digital public services, issues such as gender disparity, ICT skills shortages, and slower growth in digital skills remain areas of concern. Addressing these challenges through targeted strategies and enhanced cooperation will be crucial for Malta to sustain its progress and ensure a vibrant and inclusive ICT ecosystem.

FAQs

What is the current share of ICT specialists in Malta?
Malta’s share of ICT specialists stands at 4.7%, which is slightly below the EU average of 4.8%.

How does gender representation in Malta’s ICT sector compare to the EU average?
In Malta, only 13.8% of ICT specialists are women, indicating a significant gender imbalance compared to the broader industry standards.

What are the key advancements in Malta’s digital infrastructure?
Malta has achieved 100% coverage for Very High Capacity Networks (VHCN) and basic 5G coverage, with significant improvements in gigabit connectivity.

How has Malta’s adoption of AI and cloud technologies compared to the EU?
68.3% of Maltese enterprises have adopted AI, cloud, or data analytics, surpassing the EU average of 54.6%.

What is the estimated ICT skills gap in Malta?
The University of Malta estimates a skills gap of 1:6, meaning there are six open ICT positions for every skilled local individual.

What challenges are related to mathematical competency in Malta?
The decline in mathematical competency among younger students poses a challenge, with suggestions to integrate coding and technology-related skills into early education.

How is Malta addressing the shortage of digital skills?
Malta’s National e-Skills Strategy aims to improve educational and training opportunities and enhance cooperation with industry and civil society.

What is Malta’s performance in basic digital skills compared to the EU?
63% of the Maltese population has basic digital skills, which is above the EU average of 55.6%, but the growth rate is slower than in other countries.

What is the status of broadband connectivity in Malta?
In 2023, 11.7% of fixed broadband subscriptions in Malta provide speeds of 1 Gbps or higher, which is below the EU average of 18.5%.

What public concerns are prevalent in Malta regarding online issues?
Maltese people are primarily concerned about the misuse of personal data, fake news, and disinformation, with a notable impact of hate speech on online services.