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Research

The MDIA plays a pivotal regulatory role in overseeing and guiding the development and application of innovative technologies. The Authority strives to extract, retain, and apply expertise and extend regulatory information and research to stakeholders in the technology industry.

Research Initiatives

The MDIA Strategic Plan 2023-2025 includes various actions to expand the Authority’s research capacity in innovative technologies to reflect societal needs.

MDIA Research Lead(s)

Mr Gavril Flores, Mr Bernard Montebello, Ms Rachel Camilleri

and Ms Cristina Cutajar

Research Support Organisation(s)

IDEA Group

Status

Closed in 2025

Project Summary

MDIA is advancing its research on the digital landscape in Malta by surveying local companies to assess their digital maturity, AI adoption, and AI readiness. Additionally, this research seeks to measure the satisfaction of MDIA’s stakeholders to ensure the quality of its services. A key objective is to develop and launch a Private Sector AI Readiness Index, which will provide valuable insights into the preparedness of the private sector for AI integration and will help guide future policy and support initiatives.

MDIA Research Lead(s)

Mr Gavril Flores, Prof Gordon Pace and Mr Abraham Camilleri Abela

Research Support Organisation(s)

MISCO Malta

Status

Closed in 2024

Project Summary

The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) commissioned a research study to evaluate the public’s knowledge and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to assess customer satisfaction with MDIA services.

This research was conducted through a Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method, with a total of 507 respondents, aged 16+, across Malta and Gozo.

The findings showed that the majority of respondents are familiar with the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’. However, less than half of those aged 65+ are familiar with the term. Although respondents are familiar with the term, 14% could not define it and 22% could not provide examples of applications or technologies that are associated with AI. When describing AI, many respondents focused on human-like robots or computer-generated knowledge mimicking the human brain.

When respondents were asked to provide examples of applications of technologies that they associate with, generative AI and chatbots were the most common examples provided by respondents familiar with the term AI. Some respondents mentioned search engines, application, devices and robots, as examples. Although 39% of respondents stated that they have interacted with products or services that incorporate AI, in fact, 93% have made use of such products or services, including maps and navigation, chatbots, virtual assistants and facial detection and recognition.

Most individuals were satisfied with the current digital innovation used in their daily life and 61% believed AI is beneficial for society. There were some respondents who felt comfortable with using AI in various areas, particularly when using AI for emotion recognition systems.

The survey also identified limited trust in AI technologies, highlighting the importance of MDIA’s initiatives to regulate AI in line with the new AI Act. Addressing trustworthiness of AI will remain a high priority for the MDIA in 2025, aligning with its vision of fostering trust in innovative technologies while safeguarding all stakeholders.

Impact:

Following these findings, the MDIA initiated a National Information Campaign to continue raising awareness and educating the public about AI, aligning with the upcoming EU AI Act’s regulations and obligations.

MDIA Research Lead(s)

Mr Gavril Flores, Prof Gordon Pace and Mr Paul Magri

Research Support Organisation(s)

KPMG

Status

Closed in 2024

Project Summary

The MDIA established a set of research priorities based on both desk-based and field research. These key areas were explored to advance knowledge and improve technological integration across industries, while serving to guide the development of schemes by MDIA.

Artificial Intelligence
- Generative AI
- Multimodal AI
- Explainable AI
Digital Trust
- Digital Identity
- Cybersecurity
  - Cyber Resilience
  - Dependable Computing
- Quantum Communication
- Regulatory Science
Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis
- Data Analytics
Technology for Sustainability and ESG
- Sustainable Cloud
- Edge Computing
Quantum Computing and Other Emerging Technologies
- Neuromorphic Computing
- Applications related to Personalised Medicine
- Augmented-Connected Workforce

Other areas of Innovative Technology research include:

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies
Metaverse
Web 4.0
Next-generation connectivity
Hardware development

Impact:

Following these findings, the MDIA streamlined its funding priorities and strengthened synergies with other funding bodies, to ensure a consistent approach across various entities.

The MDIA welcomes feedback on the development of research priorities and invites stakeholders to send comments to ensure continuous improvement and realignment of priorities.