Digital Decade Country Report 2023 – Malta

Policy Reports

Digital Decade Country Report 2023 – Malta provides an in-depth analysis of Malta’s progress toward achieving the European Union’s Digital Decade targets. It highlights several key areas where Malta has made significant advancements and identifies areas where further efforts are needed.

Key Highlights:

  1. Digital skills:
    • Malta is performing above the EU average in terms of basic digital skills, with 61% of its population possessing at least basic digital skills compared to the EU average of 54%.
    • Despite this, there are gaps, especially among older adults, those with lower education levels, and those not in the workforce.
    • The report emphasises the need for more targeted efforts to bridge these digital divides and ensure that vulnerable groups can benefit from digital advancements.
  2. Digital infrastructure:
    • Malta has achieved nationwide coverage with Very High Capacity Networks (VHCNs) and 5G, placing it ahead of many EU countries.
    • The report, however, notes that while Malta has the infrastructure, the take-up of gigabit speeds remains low, and there is room for improvement in the deployment of advanced technologies like 5G.
  3. Digitalisation of businesses:
    • Maltese businesses, particularly SMEs, are relatively advanced in their digitalisation efforts, with 78% of SMEs having a basic level of digital intensity.
    • However, there is a significant challenge in attracting and retaining skilled workers, which is inhibiting further digitalisation.
  4. Digitalisation of public services:
    • Malta is a leader in providing digital public services, with all key services available online to citizens and businesses.
    • The country has also made significant strides in areas like e-health, although there are still challenges, particularly in expanding access to electronic health records and improving the use of open data.
  5. Cybersecurity:
    • The report highlights Malta’s new National Cyber Security Strategy (2023-2026), which responds to the growing threat of cyberattacks on the country’s digital infrastructure.
    • Measures include enhancing cyber defense capacity, increasing awareness and skills, and fostering collaboration between national and international stakeholders.

Recommendations:

The report outlines several recommendations for Malta, including:

  • Continuing efforts to improve digital skills, particularly among vulnerable groups.
  • Enhancing the take-up of high-speed internet and advanced digital technologies.
  • Addressing the skills gap in the labor market to support business digitalization.
  • Expanding access to open data and improving the digitalisation of public services, particularly in the health and justice sectors.

The report suggests that Malta is well on its way to meeting the EU’s Digital Decade targets but highlights the need for ongoing efforts to address specific challenges, particularly in skills development and the deployment of advanced digital technologies.