Analysing the influence of AI within Maltese private sector organisations

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Maltese Private Sector. As AI technologies become integral to business innovation and competitive strategy, understanding their influence on business operations is crucial. This research investigates explicitly how AI is integrated into businesses across some of the most prominent industries in the Maltese Private Sector, assessing both the current utilisation and the broader awareness of AI's potential. The study reveals that while AI adoption is emerging, most companies are still in the early stages of integrating this technology into their business models. Through qualitative interviews with industry representatives, the research identifies the perceived benefits and the challenges organisations face. These challenges predominantly relate to a lack of comprehensive understanding of AI's capabilities of the technology itself. Furthermore, the research highlights significant industry-specific insights into how AI is being used to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation. However, it also points out the critical need for increased AI literacy among stakeholders to fully leverage AI's potential benefits. In conclusion, while Malta's Private Sector shows promise as a potential AI hub and to become the Ultimate AI Launchpad by 2030, as stated by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, substantial work is necessary to educate and equip businesses with the tools and knowledge to implement AI successfully. This study contributes to the academic and practical understanding of AI within organisations, offering a foundation for future research and strategic planning by policymakers and business leaders.