2 THE LOCAL ICT LANDSCAPE Fig. 4 NETWORKED READINESS INDEX MALTA RANKS 28 OUT OF 138 COUNTRIES. (Source: World Economic Forum) TAKE-UP OF ICT Improving ICT access and its use is an important challenge. Although the ICT footprint is increasing, not all homes, schools, or businesses have taken it up or are using it as they could. Compared to other EU countries, Malta falls behind in the numbers using the Internet, uploading self-created content, using Internet banking, taking online courses, and looking for a job or sending a job application. 14 SMEs and start-up companies need encouragement to see ICT more as a tool for reducing costs, innovating and gaining access to wider markets. Citizens are expecting ICT to play a more significant role in the next generation of healthcare services; it shall enable patient empowerment, and safer and more personalised care.