The take-up of ICT was very strong in some sectors but very poor in others, according to Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness Edward Zammit Lewis.

Speaking at The Economist conference held recently, Mr Zammit Lewis said ICT contributed nearly six per cent to the GDP, employing around 3,500 people – around 3.5 per cent of Malta’s gainfully employed population.

“In spite of Malta’s strength and aptitude in ICT, and its growing role in our economy, take-up of ICT is not as wide and coherent as it should be.

“There are still many contrasts. It has been high in sectors such as banking, finance, insurance and i-gaming, where investments were forthcoming, or in the services industry where the economic benefits for business were glaringly obvious, or among home users with the capability and financial means to do so.

“But there are still many areas where smart take-up of ICT is somewhat lacking and perhaps where there is plenty more room for innovation and economic growth.

“These comprise areas affected by market failure, such as public transport, infrastructure management and energy efficiency,” he said.

He added that the government had a role to play by reducing red tape for innovators, and facilitating the re-use of public data that was not sensitive or confidential.