Paragon Europe leading the formation of Malta’s Digital Cluster
Paragon Europe has announced the formation of a Digital Cluster launching in October. The formation of the Malta Digital Cluster will include stakeholders representing academia, government, entities, NGOs, SMEs, start-ups and other entities from the business sector together with external experts in the digital sphere.
Discussions will focus on the different ways in which cluster members could collaborate, including participation in EU-funded projects and tenders, business opportunities, the sharing of knowledge and knowhow, the dynamics of the Cluster and the way forward.
There has been solid growth of digital clusters across Europe, helping to accelerate Europe’s digital economy and driving national and regional economic growth, a key part of the Juncker Plan and the drive on Digital Europe. It confirms that the exponential growth of digital businesses is a phenomenon reaching far beyond capital. According to recent studies, digital job growth is predicted to outperform all other occupation categories by 2020. In addition, 77% of digital companies within clusters say they benefit from access to a network of entrepreneurs to interact with and to share ideas.
On the launch of the Malta Digital Cluster, Paragon Europe chairman Edwin Ward comments:
“Backing the industries of the future is a key part of Paragon Europe's long-term plan to support businesses, create more jobs in Malta and help contribute to a more resilient economy. The digital economy has become an integral part of our country and the rapid growth of many digital businesses has confirmed Malta’s position as a global hub of technology excellence in the Mediterranean. Paragon Europe is committed to support the growth of our digital industry nationwide through characteristic Maltese innovation and thriving entrepreneurial spirit that is driving the sector forward.”
Life Sciences Park CEO Joseph Sammut said: "We need to help power the digital economy in Malta as it's helping to create jobs and contribute to growth. The Digital hub forms part of the 10,000sq.m. campus of the Malta Life Sciences Park. We are a catalyst for FDI, tech startups and budding entrepreneurs to join them. Malta has emerged as one of the fastest growing technology centres in the Mediterranean. We believe this Digital Cluster being formed by Paragon Europe will accelerate growth and yield new opportunities."
Paragon Europe CEO Dr Anton Theuma said: "Innovative tech startups are at the heart of growth and the majority of these stem from collaborative communities of entrepreneurs such as incubators. The Digital hub at the Life Sciences Park acts as a catalyst for start-ups and small enterprises, bringing businesses and business people together. We were delighted to have been recognised by the Digital Hub as playing a key role in the emergence of such an exciting start-up scene in Malta. Now is the time to shine on this exciting technology cluster that can transform Malta’s digital economy."
Participation in the Malta Digital Cluster will be completely voluntary and no obligations or fees will be imposed on the members. For more information about Paragon Europe and the Malta Digital Cluster, contact Edwin Ward on edwin.ward@paragoneurope.eu, phone on +356 9920 7677 or visit www.paragoneurope.eu