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Digital Malta - Status Report

December 2014

Published: 9th April 2015

Version: 1.1

Classification: Public

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................................................3

1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................4

1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................................4 1.2 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................................................4

2. DIGITAL MALTA ACTIONS – PROGRESS UPDATE ................................................................................................5

2.1 OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................................................5 2.2 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................................6

3. DIGITAL MALTA INITIATIVES ................................................................................................................................ 15

3.1 STATUS OF INITIATIVES ............................................................................................................................................. 15

4. DIGITAL MALTA PERFORMANCE TARGETS ........................................................................................................ 17

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

On the 24th March 2014 the Prime Minister launched the Digital Malta Strategy which will guide the country

to attain the 2020 Vision that ‘Malta will prosper as a digitally-enabled nation in all sectors of society’. The

strategy consists of six strategic themes which in total comprise of 71 Actions which are visionary statements

and provide policy direction.

Detailed and specific ICT initiatives are identified on an annual basis in a separate supporting document

referred to as ‘Programme of Initiatives’ (PoI). The PoI for 2014 was launched together with the Strategy in

March 2014. Each initiative identified in the PoI is linked to an Action within the Strategy. Different

organisations own different initiatives.

Digital Malta

Strategy

Digital

Citizen

Digital

Business

Digital

Govt.

Regulation

&

Legislation

Infrast.Human

Capital

6

Strategic Themes

71

Actions11

Actions

14

Actions

12

Actions

7

Actions

14

Actions

13

Actions

142

ICT initiatives

(for 2014 only)Yearly Programme of Initiatives

(each action can have one or more initiatives)

Furthermore, in order to measure progress towards successful implementation, the Strategy established a

number of performance targets. These targets are monitored on an ongoing basis.

1.2 Scope

The scope of this document is to present:

1. A status of the 71 Actions identified in the Strategy.

2. A progress update on the ICT initiatives identified in the PoI for 2014.

3. An update on the Performance Targets identified in the Strategy.

The above are presented as at 31st December 2014.

2. Digital Malta Actions – Progress Update

2.1 Overview

Out of the 71 Actions:

40 Actions (or 56%) have an initiative linked to them in the PoI 2014 – indicating that work on these

actions is underway.

31 Actions (or 44%) did not have an initiative linked to them.

4056%

3144%

Actions linked to Iniviatives vs. Actions with no related initiatives

Actions linked to Initiatives Actions with no related Initiatives

6 6

10

4

86

5

82

3

6

7

Digital Citizen Digital Business DigitalGovernment

Regulation &Legislation

Infrastructure Human Capital

Actions linked to Iniviatives vs. Actions with no related initiatives, grouped by Theme

Actions linked to Initiatives Actions with no related Initiatives

2.2 Key Achievements

The following are the major initiatives and achievements attained in 2014, grouped by Strategic Theme.

Digital Citizen

1. Basic level of ICT competence

o Networked (ENTER)

− A total of 5,200 applications for training organised by MCA.

− 2,500 individuals attended training sessions during 2014.

2. Empowering the young through a safer Internet

o #stophate campaign

− MITA, together with 89.7 Bay and General Soft Drinks Co Ltd, launched a nationwide awareness campaign against cyber bullying. #StopHate was launched on 12th December 2014.

3. Empowering vulnerable / minority groups and the elderly

o BeSmartOnline 2

− 3880 students were given a lesson on “Digital Citizenship.”

− 3 seminars were held for PSD, Health and Safety and eLearning teachers which were attended to by 450 educators.

o LiveICT ‘eAgeing’ (project – eInclusion)

− In 2014, 32 eInclusion sessions were organised and 270 individuals trained.

o Empowering Older Citizens with Digital Skills

− MITA engaged a number of older trainers to deliver ICT training to peers in their communities.

4. Accessibility and Assistive Technology

o Student Advantage Scheme

− Launched in the first quarter of 2014 by MITA and Microsoft Malta for primary and secondary schools and MCAST students. The benefits of this scheme include the free use of Microsoft Office 365 on 5 different devices and SkyDrive.

o IT accessibility mini EXPO

− FITA organised a demonstration of assistive ICT and a number of presentations covering service offers, ICT accessibility in practice and research projects.

5. NGA Networks No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

6. Free access to wireless internet

o Free Wi-Fi Access

− MCA provided 191 Free Wi-Fi spots.

− Tender to improve the availability of free Wi-Fi access finalised and to be published in Q1/15.

7. Portable devices for children

o One Tablet per Child

− Currently in pilot phase and ends on 31st March 2015.

o Wireless Access for mobile devices in Schools

8. Citizen Engagement No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

9. Promote innovative ICT applications

No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

10. Developing online content


11. Maltese language tools


Digital Business

12. ICT initiatives for sectors facing stiff competition

o WebCheck – Hospitality Sector

− MCA provided assistance to organisations within the Hospitality sector to make better use of the Internet and social media.

− Gathered insight from 26 sports organisations about their online presence.

13. Forum for the transformation of industries through ICT


14. ICT capability framework for SMEs and co-operatives


15. ICT Training Programmes

o Training for vulnerable enterprises

− Project scoping completed. Training expected to be delivered in Q3-Q4 2015.

16. Supporting entrepreneurship

o eBusiness Awards (2014)

− In the 2014 edition there were 43 submissions and 16 finalists in six categories in this MCA’s event.

17. Attracting FDI in ICT No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

18. Cloud Computing o Cloud Computing strategy

− MITA: 90% complete. Draft strategy was presented within MITA.

− MCA: A high level strategy document on cloud computing was presented by the MCA to MEIB in February.

19. Digital Gaming No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

20. Widening horizons o Park Majjistral Competition

− Following a call for applications, an educational mobile app for Park Majjistral was launched on 25th October 2014.

o eCommerce Strategy

− The national eCommerce Strategy was launched on 16th October 2014.

o A BLINK portal

− A directory specialising in eCommerce service provision was launched.

21. ICT-focused incentive schemes


22. eCommerce markets No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

23. Emerging electronic transactions


24. Harnessing international R&I funding


25. Open Innovation o MITA Innovation Hub

− Inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 15th May 2014.

o MIH - ICT Sponsorships

− Awarded a grant for the implementation of an innovative ICT project of value and relevance to society on 10th July 2014.

o MIH - Open call for Startups

− MITA published two calls for proof-of-concept projects in two thematic areas in public administration on 24th December 2014.

o MCA TAKEOFF Award

− The MCA TAKEOFF Award was launched. It is set to focus on start-up development in the areas of ICT, e-Commerce and Communications, and ultimately support the creation of high-growth businesses in Malta in these areas.

Digital Government

26. Transacting with Government

o Gov.mt mobile app

− A gov.mt mobile application that will be accessible from a number of platforms is ready for launch. Launch date will be determined by OPM.

o Online Electronic Forms

− In 2014, 14 electronic forms were deployed. There are now 210 online electronic forms available to the general public.

o Optimising eGovernment Services

− A study that analyses how Government websites and eGovernment services can be optimised for mobile devices consumption was completed.

o A project (Strengthening Competences to Service the Public Efficiently Through eGovernment) was launched with the aims of:

i. Raising awareness with the general public on eServices;

ii. Building capacity within Government to assist citizens and businesses in accessing and using eServices; and

iii. Identifying the reasons which are negatively impacting the take-up of eServices by citizens.

27. One-stop shop o The Office of the Prime Minster is working on a project to establish one-stop-shops for Citizens.

o User Experience

− Up till the end of 2014, 14 life events were created.

28. Collaborative digital environment

o Enterprise Collaboration Platform

− A test / training platform was made available to the Ministry CIOs. The ‘live’ platform will be implemented in March 2015 and the first sites will be going live in April 2015.

29. Business Analytics No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

30. ICT Innovation in procurement


31. Strategic Alliances o Enabling ideas through the Cloud

− On 9th July 2014, MITA and IBM organised a bootcamp offering Bluemix training to start-ups, software vendors and developers.

o SAP Startup Forum

− MITA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SAP Hellas, Cyprus and Malta.

− 30 participants attended the HANA bootcamp on 5th November 2014; 29 attended a workshop on the SAP Startup Focus program on 6th November 2014.

o MITA Information Security Expo

− MITA and TrustedSec organised an information security hackathon on 11th October 2014.

32. Open Government Data

o Service Provisioning, Discovery and Governance Platform

− Implemented middleware platforms covering both Public Administration Data Interchange Scenarios and Government Open Data Scenarios using CDR Data Sets.

33. eDemocracy o Public Consultation on Laws of Malta

− MSDC launched a web page for the online submission and publication of public recommendations related to the revision of local legislation, regulation and policy.

34. Sector specific ICT programmes

o Various Initiatives, including:

− Initiated a project to transform the Manifesto Implementation System into a shared application.

− Went live with the Payroll System in all government departments.

− Rolled-out the Absences Management System across government.

− Implemented eServices for the Commerce Department.

− Implemented an Excise Movement Control System at the Customs Department.

− Developed a Customs Import / Export system.

− Outsourced the development of a customs duties calculator mobile application. To be deployed in 2015.

− Started working on the new Corporate Financial Management solution within the Treasury Department.

− Completed Phase 3 of the Compliance to SEPA requirements by financial applications containing electronic Credit Transfers.

− Implemented various surveys at NSO including Labour Force Survey and Structural Business Statistics.

− Simplified a number of DSS services, including energy benefits vouchers, entitlement for retirement pension, widows pension, marriage grant and children allowance.

− Launched online service to file an appeal with the DSS and to obtain a Social Security number.

− Implemented a number of simplification measures at the Law Courts.

− Implemented the Fleet Vessel Register and New Vessel Monitoring System.

35. eLearning o E-learning solution

o Child Care System

− Adjudicated and awarded ITT for an IT system to monitor attendance and remuneration of child care centres.

36. eHealth o An enhanced version of the POYC Entitlement System to enable MEH to open POYC to Schedule II dispensing as well as dispensing to migrants was successfully deployed.

o A Servers Core Network Roadmap for MEH-Health was developed.

o MITA started an architecture assessment of the Clinical Patient Administration System (CPAS) which is a core Health Information System

o MITA took the role of systems integrator from ACS Xerox for the support of the Laboratory Information System (LIS). In 2015, MITA will also take the role of systems integrator from ACS Xerox for the support of the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

o MITA completed the handover of the myHealth Portal and back end database from the suppliers. The Agency is now responsible

for the maintenance and support of the portal.

37. Transportation o eTransfers

− Developed an eTransfers service to cater for simple transfer of a vehicle from one owner to another through Agents.

o Learning Permit and Test Scheduling

− Developed two new online service, involving Motoring Schools and members of the Medical profession to process the applications.

Regulation & Legislation

38. Digital Single Market o Safeguarding the Universal Services

− On an ongoing basis, the MCA ensures that the basic set of electronic communications services is available to all at affordable prices.

o Review of Universal Service / Designation

− A consultation document reviewing the current set of universal services was published in Q4/2014.

o Economic Opportunities for Malta

− A scoping paper on the economic opportunities for Malta emanating from a digital single market was finalised.

39. Radio spectrum for mobile data communications

o Assignment of Spectrum for wireless broadband

− Published decision on the policy framework and assignment methodology of wireless broadband bands for 4G technologies.

o Review of the UMTS licences for 2.1GHz band

− Initiated a public consultation facilitating the introduction of 4G technologies in the currently licensed 2.1 GHz radio spectrum bands.

40. Digital legislation and contracts


41. Infrastructure based competition


42. Standards and Good Practice

o Revamp of Government ICT Policies

− MITA reviewed and updated several Government ICT Policies to reflect business requirements and technological trends. A full list of policies is available in Appendix A.

o Government Desktops Power Management

− MEH and MITA started discussing the implementation of desktop energy savings through Microsoft System Centre Configuration Manager.

43. Cyber Crime Legislation


44. Digital legislation and regulation

o Data Protection Training

− Completed the theoretical and practical training for 120 participants and train-the-trainer course for 18 DPOs.

Infrastructure

45. Supporting NGA Networks

o Fibre to the Home (FTTH)

− The MCA carried out a review to current legislation taking into consideration the transposition of the new EU Directive 2014/61/EU on reducing the cost of Broadband.

o VULA (virtual unbundled local access) for Fibre Networks

− Work is on track to introduce “investment-friendly” remedies on GO Plc in the provision of wholesale unbundled infrastructure access services market.

46. Broadband Supply and Demand

o NGA Business and Consumer Perception Surveys

− The MCA carried out Consumer and Business perception surveys to assess the level of satisfaction with the electronic communications services provided by the operators.

o NGA Communications Market Reviews

− Two Communications Market Reviews were published in April and November 2014.

47. IPv6 No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

48. Network Infrastructure Sharing Opportunities

o Symmetric Regulation of Physical Network Infrastructure Sharing

− A draft Infrastructure Access Code was completed.

o Framework for access to in-house wiring

− A draft consultation document on a framework for the sharing of electronic communications wiring inside buildings was finalised.

o Establishment of a national plan for telecoms infrastructures

− Sites for towers have been formally established.

49. Safeguarding Networks


50. Quality of Service o Online price comparison portal

− The MCA monitors the on-line price comparison portal to ensure transparency.

o Review of Quality of Service of Electronic Communication Markets

− Commissioned a survey to assess the QoS experience by consumers and any issues / concerns with QoS provided.

51. International Connectivity

o New submarine cable link connecting Malta to other alternative locations on the European continent

− The MCA kick-started a project to analyse detailed submarine configurations and topologies; verify and determine the commercial and financial viability of a new submarine cable network; study and compare various landing points and cable routes; recommend financing options; and identify and propose the best strategies for deployment.

52. Connectivity between Malta and Gozo

o Second Internet connectivity link between Malta and Gozo

− Awarded tender for the technical and financial feasibility study for a second Submarine Fibre optic data cable.

53. National Cyber Security Strategy


54. Authentication Services

o eID Cards

− The eID Cards solution was finalised and launched in Feb 2014.

o eIdentification

− A proposal for a technology upgrade including a new Single Sign-on (SSO) screen was accepted and the supplier was contracted in Dec 14. The SSO screen will facilitate the authentication mechanism, hence resulting in increase EID take-up capacity.

55. Trust Services No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

56. Modernisation and Re-use

o Technology refresh of core Government Infrastructure building blocks

− The ‘Core Government Web Hosting’, ‘Core Government Network’, ‘Core DBMSs’, Core Security’, ‘Core Government Email’, ‘Internet Filtering’, ‘Office Automation’, ‘Virtual Environments’, ‘Core Government Directory Services’ and ‘Enterprise Backups’ have undergone technology refresh in 2014.

o Network Projects

− MITA completed all works related to the network services within the new Parliament and the Oncology Hospital.

57. Foresight No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

58. Incubation of novel ICT driven solutions within Government


Human Capital

59. Integrating critical skills across educational and formative experiences

o Student Placement Programme

− In 2014, MITA processed a total of 303 placements within the public service and public sector, private industries and NGOs were offered (in 2013, a total of 268 students were placed).

o ICT and Computing Curriculum Reform

− MITA and MEDE discussed several recommendations for updating the curriculum.

o ICT career Exposure

− MEDE held a one week career exposure programme for ICT students.

60. Building national capacity in specialist skills-sets

o Establish a strategic alliance with UoM

− MITA is mentoring 12 students in drafting their dissertations.

− MITA will be delivering a credit within the new BSc.

o CoderDoJo

− Preparatory work was carried out to open the first Coderdojo in Malta. Free lessons in basic computer coding will be provided in a number of community Training learning centres.

61. Investing further in and celebrating the education community

o Engage with upcoming educators

− MITA concluded a first wave of activities with a group of educators and upcoming educators participating in a face-to-face and online session on the use of technology to innovate teaching.

62. Awareness-raising on eSkills education and careers

o School visits to Companies

− During the scholastic year 2013-2014, MITA organised on-site visits to some of the island’s leading IT-related companies. In total 552 students coming from 21 different schools benefited from this experience.

o STEM ‘Summer’ Club

− MITA employed students to manage the Club and to create a game have ended their placement. Over 200 students spread across five partner schools benefited from this initiative.

o National Coding Competition

− 92 entries were received; where in total 216 students have used programming skills to create an animated game from scratch. The students hailed from state, church and independent schools.

63. Improve employability through lifelong learning and career support

o Training the unemployed in Social Media and Sales

− Drafted a training tender for the provision of training in Social Media and Sales to a group of 120 unemployed and inactive citizens.

64. Update the eCompetence Framework

o Application of an eCompetence Framework

− The eSkills Malta Foundation identified the EU eCompetence Framework V3.0 as its preferred platform for promoting the use of an eCompetence Framework.

65. Promote excellence in the professionalism of the local ICT workforce


66. Quality assure for ICT educational programmes


67. Validate technology-related experience and education


68. Increase female participation


69. Take informed action No initiatives / achievements related to this action.

70. eSkills education in other critical sectors


71. International ICT education programmes


Organisational Bodies and Structures

Digital Malta Governing Board

The Governing Board for the Digital Malta strategy was set up. Mr. Godfrey Vella, Malta’s Digital Champion, was appointed chairperson. The deputy chairperson is Mr. Emanuel Darmanin from MITA.

eSkills Malta Foundation The eSkills Malta Foundation was launched in Q1 2014.

Data Governance Council The Data Governance Council was established by the Principal Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister.

3. Digital Malta Initiatives

3.1 Status of Initiatives

The status of the ICT initiatives identified in the PoI for 2014 is as follows:

Complete: 38 initiatives (or 27%). These are:

MITA (14)

1. Student Advantage Scheme

2. #stophate campaign

3. Inauguration of the MITA Innovation Hub (ICT Innovation Platform)

4. A grant for the implementation of an innovative ICT project (ICT Sponsorships)

5. Park Majjistral Competition

6. Bluemix training by IBM (Enabling ideas through the Cloud)

7. SAP Startup Forum

8. MITA Information Security Expo

9. Study to analyse how Government web sites and eGovernment services can be

optimized for mobile device consumption (Optimising eGovernment services)

10. Student Placement Programme (2014)

11. ICT and Computing Curriculum Reform

12. School Visits to Companies

13. ICT Career Exposure

14. STEM ‘Summer’ Club

MCA (6)

15. eBusiness Awards (2014)

16. eCommerce Strategy

17. Policy on disruption technology

18. BeSmartOnline 2

19. LiveICT ‘eAgeing’ (project – eInclusion)

20. QoS - Review of Quality of Service of Electronic Communication Markets

OPM (2)

21. Setting up of the Data Governance Council

22. Government Payroll & HR

MEIB (2)

23. Setting up and launch of the Digital Malta Governing Board

24. eServices for the Commerce Department

MFIN (3)

25. Excise Movement Control System for the Customs Department

26. Labour Force Survey for the National Statistics Office

27. Structural Business Statistics for the National Statistics Office

MFSS (3)

28. DSS online services and simplification measures, including the crediting of energy

benefits to Utility bills, and automatic eligibility to social security retirement pension,

widows pension, marriage grant and children allowance

29. Online service to launch an Appeal with the Department for Social Security

30. Online service to obtain a Social Security Number

MJCL (1)

31. Courts Simplification measures, including SMS Notification, eMailer of Transcripts and

Decrees, merger of Gozo and Malta registries, notification system for service of Acts by

Court Marshals and notification system for service of Warrants by Court Marshals

MSDC (3)

32. Web page for Public Consultation on Laws of Malta

33. Integration of Migrants portal

34. Web page European Consumer Centre

eSkills Malta Foundation (1)

35. Setting up and launch of the eSkills Malta Foundation

Identity Malta (1)

36. eID Cards solution

FITA (2)

37. IT Accessibility mini EXPO

38. Vodafone Sponsorship Scheme to FITA

On Hold: 2 initiatives. These are:

1. Hold Symmetric Regulation of Physical Network Infrastructure Sharing

2. Framework for access to in-house wiring

Cancelled / superseded by events: 2 initiatives. These are:

1. Standards for iTalent

2. Recognition of ICT and related industry certifications against the Standards and the MQF

The remaining ICT initiatives (or 60%) were rolled over to 2015.

4. Digital Malta Performance Targets

The following performance targets were established within the Strategy.

Indicator Malta EU

Average

2012 2013 2014 2014

33% of SMEs selling online by 2015 13.7% 10.4% 15.7% 14.5%

Fast broadband (>30 MBPS) coverage available for all by 2020 99.9% 100% 100% N/A

50% of households taking up broadband subscription having >100MBPS by 2020

0.6% 0.7% 0.8% 6.6%

20% of population buying online across-borders by 2015 38.1% 39.2% 39% 14.6%

50% of population buying online by 2015 43.5% 46% 47% 50.2%

60% of disadvantaged people using the internet regularly by 2015 51.6% 46.3% 55.6% 60.5%

75% of the population using the internet regularly by 2015 65.5% 66.2% 70.2% 74.6%

15% or less of population have never used the internet by 2015 29.3% 28% 24.6% 18.1%

100% increase in ICT R&D Public Spending by 2020 N/A 0.2% N/A N/A

50% of the population using eGovernment by 2015 40.6% 31.6% 40.3% 46.7%

25% of the population using eGovernment and returning forms by 2015

17.1% 20.7% 19.7% 26.1%

Broadband coverage for all by 2013 99.8% 100% 100% 97.7%

Further information is available on the Digital Malta website:

http://digitalmalta.gov.mt/en/Pages/Content/DMPerformance.aspx

http://digitalmalta.gov.mt/en/Pages/Content/DMPerformance.aspx

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