Turning technology adoption into advantage in Malta
The language of progress has become a daily part of business vocabulary. Yet for many organisations in Malta, the promise of technology has not fully translated into performance.
Over the past decade, Maltese enterprises have made strong strides in digital adoption. According to the European Commission’s State of the Digital Decade Report 2025, more than 80% of local businesses now demonstrate at least a basic level of digital technology use — one of the highest rates in the EU. But fewer than one in three report using data effectively to inform decision-making, and only 17% have adopted AI in any meaningful way.
This growing divide — between adoption and advantage — is the next frontier of Malta’s digital journey.
Why maturity matters
In an age where every organisation is ‘digital’ by default, the differentiator is no longer technology itself, but how effectively it is used.
Technology and data maturity go beyond adopting systems or automating processes — they reflect how well technology, data, and people are integrated to drive sustained business value.
Mature organisations use data to make decisions confidently. They ensure technology investments align with strategic goals. And they build a culture where innovation and digital skills are part of everyday work.
As Kurt Rapinett, Senior Manager at Deloitte Malta, explains: “Every organisation talks about AI and digital transformation. The true differentiator lies in maturity — in having the leadership, culture, and governance to turn technology into measurable advantage.”
The ladder of progress
To help organisations benchmark where they stand, Deloitte has launched the Malta Technology & Data Maturity Index 2025 — a national survey designed to map how effectively Maltese businesses are using technology and data to deliver performance.
The Index defines five stages of maturity — a ladder of progress every organisation can relate to:
- Foundational – Tools are in place, but systems are disconnected and insight is limited.
- Developing – Early integration between data and business processes begins.
- Integrated – Technology consistently supports operations and decision-making.
- Optimised – Data is trusted, governed, and central to strategy.
- Leading – Technology and data drive innovation, agility, and sustained growth.
Moving up this ladder is not about buying more technology — it’s about aligning leadership, culture, and capability to get more from what already exists.
The six dimensions of maturity
The Index assesses organisations across six interconnected dimensions — each essential to achieving long-term technology and data maturity.
- Digital strategy and leadership
Strategic clarity begins at the top. Mature organisations align digital priorities with their core business goals, ensuring that leadership drives — not just supports — transformation.
- Data governance and management
Strong governance creates trusted, accessible data. Without it, even the most advanced AI models fail to deliver meaningful outcomes.
- Cloud and infrastructure
Scalable, secure infrastructure provides the foundation for flexibility, innovation, and business continuity.
- Cybersecurity and compliance
Resilience and trust are non-negotiable. Maturity means anticipating risk, not reacting to it.
- Technology enablement and integration
When systems and data talk to each other, efficiency follows. Integration turns insight into impact.
- Culture and capability
Transformation ultimately depends on people — equipping teams with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to make data-driven decisions every day.
As these dimensions advance together, technology becomes more than a cost centre — it becomes a catalyst for growth.
AI and the maturity mindset
Artificial intelligence dominates business conversations — but amid the excitement, a quiet challenge persists: readiness. AI promises efficiency and innovation, yet without the foundations of clean data, clear governance, and leadership alignment, implementation often falls short.
In Deloitte’s recent global research, organisations with higher technology and data maturity were up to three times more likely to achieve positive financial and innovation outcomes from AI than those with lower maturity. This reinforces a simple truth: AI success is not about algorithms — it’s about preparedness.
“True value in AI comes not from the novelty of the tool, but from the maturity of the organisation that uses it,” adds Kurt Rapinett. “That’s the difference between chasing trends and shaping them.”
About the Malta Technology & Data Maturity Index 2025
The Malta Technology & Data Maturity Index 2025 is a national benchmarking initiative by Deloitte Malta. It captures where organisations currently stand, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they are prioritising.
The findings will offer a comparative view across sectors, helping businesses position themselves within Malta’s evolving technology landscape.
By participating, organisations will:
- Gain early access to national results before public release.
- Understand how they compare with peers and leaders.
- Identify priority areas for technology and data investment.
- Contribute to shaping Malta’s digital and innovation agenda.
Participation takes less than 10 minutes — but the insights could guide years of strategic decision-making.
From adoption to advantage
Technology adoption is no longer the goal — maturity is. As Malta continues to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and digital excellence, the question for leaders is clear: How ready is your organisation to turn technology and data into lasting advantage? The Malta Technology & Data Maturity Index 2025 provides the answer.
Take the survey today and help shape Malta’s next chapter of technology and data maturity.
Valeria Hudiacova is a senior consultant within the Technology & Transformation team at Deloitte in Malta. For more information, please visit www.deloitte.com/mt