The proliferation of digital technologies and the Internet are associated with a digitally-enabled society, with evolving cultural, economic and technical constructs that have characterised amazing change in recent decades. We are in the midst of a continued digital revolution in the way we interact with each other, conduct business, manufacture goods, deliver services, live, work, and spend our spare time. New forms of technologies, such as the prospects of 5G, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain are to become a reality in the not too distant future. This is the new gigabit society, where massive amounts of data will be generated, consumed and communicated through high speed connectivity channels. Being very much aware of these developments, the MCA aims for a digitally inclusive society where the benefits of digital technology will be felt by society at large, irrespective of the level of social stratification a person is in. Notwithstanding this dynamic scenario, the use of some of the more advanced digital services remains below that of European leaders. The MCA therefore needs to increase its efforts to promote the benefits that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offer, looking beyond technology itself and working towards establishing an advanced information society (IS).

In so doing, one must remain mindful of the digital inequalities and challenges in the various fields of ICT which continue to develop and impact our daily lives. To address these digital divides in the Maltese society, the MCA conducts regular research to establish the nature of skills gaps which are proactively addressed by the development of a number of initiatives that the MCA carries out.