As CEO of Malta Enterprise, a position he has held since September 2024, Mr George Gregory is very clear about Malta’s economic momentum, as innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity shape the country’s economic identity under Vision 2050.
In this recent interview, he explains how Gozo is not only part of the economy but also serves as a model of sustainable innovation and creative industries, where high-value growth sectors combine with Gozo’s natural assets and cultural strengths. Malta Enterprise supports this emerging reality with a dedicated ecosystem of incentives and funding for Gozitan ventures, contributing to Malta’s long-term Vision 2050.
Mr Gregory, as CEO of Malta Enterprise, what excites you most about Malta’s economic direction right now?
Malta is at an exciting juncture where innovation, sustainability, and internationalisation are coming together to reshape our economy. What excites me most is seeing high-value sectors like AI, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and life sciences thriving, while also witnessing startups and scale-ups gain traction. The country’s strategic alignment with Vision 2050 gives a clear roadmap for sustainable, resilient growth, ensuring that Malta and Gozo remain competitive while creating quality jobs and fostering innovation across industries.
When you think about Gozo specifically, what unique role do you see the island playing in Malta’s future economic landscape?
Gozo has the potential to serve as a specialised hub for sustainable innovation and creative industries, complementing Malta’s broader economic ecosystem. Its unique cultural heritage, natural environment, and close-knit community make it ideal for sectors that value creativity, quality of life, and sustainability. Gozo offers businesses and entrepreneurs a distinctive base while remaining closely connected to Malta and global markets. Additionally, the island provides a unique advantage as a test bed for new technologies. Its size, community, and infrastructure make it an ideal location to pilot and refine innovations before scaling internationally. This approach allows innovators to gather meaningful insights, optimise their solutions, and simultaneously contribute to the growth of Gozo’s digital ecosystem.
Which sectors hold the most promise for Gozo—both in the near and long term?
Gozo’s future economic growth is closely linked to sustainable, high-value sectors, in line with Vision 2050. Digital technologies, agri-tech, and creative industries hold strong potential, leveraging the island’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and high quality of life. By focusing on these areas, Gozo can attract investment, create quality jobs, and develop a resilient, forward-looking economy that fully aligns with the national Vision 2050 strategy.
What support or incentives are available for entrepreneurs and investors looking specifically at Gozo?
Malta Enterprise offers a comprehensive suite of support measures for Gozo-based ventures, including funding for innovation and technology adoption, as well as incentives for job creation. We also provide targeted initiatives for digitalisation and sustainable business practices, creating a robust environment for startups, scale-ups, and investors looking to establish or expand operations on the island. With our dedicated office in Gozo, we maintain close contact with local entrepreneurs to ensure they can easily access our services. Additionally, we collaborate closely with other Gozitan stakeholders to develop a cohesive ecosystem that enables businesses to thrive and grow sustainably in Gozo.
Looking back at the Empowering Growth – Unlocking Business Potential in Gozo, what are your reflections on it, and do you consider such initiatives as a necessity in today’s age?
The event was an excellent platform for Gozitan entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities. It showcased the support available for local businesses while reinforcing the importance of networking and collaboration. Initiatives like this are essential today, as they empower businesses, attract investment, and help unlock Gozo’s full economic potential. Importantly, the event also highlighted the strong collaboration between different ministries and government entities, all working toward the same goal: bringing sustainable investment to Gozo and supporting its long-term economic growth.
What challenges does Gozo face in attracting investment, and how can these be overcome?
While Gozo faces challenges such as limited scale, connectivity, and access to talent, similar to those experienced elsewhere in Malta and other European jurisdictions, these can be effectively addressed through targeted incentives, talent development programmes, and stronger integration with Malta’s broader innovation ecosystem. By emphasising Gozo’s unique strengths, including its high quality of life, focus on sustainability, and niche business opportunities, we can attract investors looking for specialised, high-value projects that are aligned with global trends. These advantages position Gozo as an appealing and distinctive destination for innovative businesses and forward-thinking investors.
If you had to describe Gozo’s economic future in one phrase, what would it be—and what message would you like to share with investors considering Gozo?
I would describe Gozo’s economic future as “Sustainable Innovation with Impact.” Vision 2050 highlights Gozo as a model for the country, with a strong focus on sustainable development, quality of life, and innovation. The Vision identifies opportunities in sectors such as agritech, marine research, digital services, creative industries, and cultural heritage, areas where Gozo can truly excel.
For investors, this means Gozo offers a unique combination of strategic growth potential, high quality of life, and alignment with global sustainability trends. It is a place where innovative businesses can thrive, pilot new solutions, and scale internationally, while contributing to a resilient and forward-looking local economy.
InvestGozo thanks Mr Gregory for granting this interview and for sharing his valuable insights on Gozo’s economic development and sustainable innovation.