CEO George Gregory discusses his role in molding Europe's burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape.
In the unfolding narrative of Malta's economic landscape, it's clear that George Gregory, the new CEO of Malta Enterprise, is poised to shake things up. Walking through the high-tech expo halls amid flashing cameras and clamoring crowd, Gregory stepped into the limelight as the Prime Minister took a back seat. The move reflected the growing trust in Gregory's ability to represent the nation on the public stage.
Bringing over three decades of private-sector experience, Gregory is no ordinary civil servant. In an exclusive chat with SiGMA World, Gregory shared his perspective on the transformation from corporate to public service, expressing enthusiasm for the challenging yet rewarding experience. With a polished yet approachable demeanor, he's already making waves in the complex dance between business and government.
Past venture capital, forward to innovation ecosystems
Startups hold a special place in Gregory's portfolio. To date, Malta's government-backed venture capital fund has disbursed around €9 million in startup funding. But Gregory's ambitions don't stop there. By courting 24 accredited independent VCs, Malta is stepping beyond simple early-stage investment, building a diverse and dynamic startup ecosystem.
This push isn't an insular endeavor. Malta Enterprise is actively courting international founders, with nearly half of new startups originating beyond the EU. Gregory understands the challenges inherent in attracting and retaining these foreign talents and is focused on ensuring Malta remains competitive in the global race for talent.
Closing the talent pool
Innovation demands talent, and as technology accelerates, Gregory knows that traditional learning models need to adapt. He acknowledges areas for improvement, both locally and globally, recognizing that grooming a workforce capable of navigating the complexities of an innovative economy is paramount.
To bridge the talent gap, Malta Enterprise backs skilling and reskilling initiatives through programs like 'Get Qualified'. And the results speak for themselves, with the aviation industry being a particular success story. However, Gregory emphasizes the need for more; the nation must invest in retraining across all sectors to ensure a sustainable and innovative economy.
In tune with the iGaming sector
The iGaming industry, a stable and mature sector in Malta, doesn’t typically require direct support from Malta Enterprise. But Gregory knows better than to ignore its importance. Describing it as a "success story," he acknowledges the sector's continuing evolution and Malta Enterprise's commitment to staying in sync with these changes.
A multi-sector approach to innovation
For Gregory, innovation isn't confined to a single sector. He sees potential for growth in renewable energy, MedTech, microelectronics, and smart manufacturing. In fact, Malta Enterprise has already allocated €33 million to support over 50 startups in these fields, demonstrating a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.
Gregory understands that the road to innovation is fraught with uncertainty and risks, but also with opportunities. By prioritizing a multi-sector approach to innovation, he aims to build a resilient economy that can weather geopolitical storms while capitalizing on strategic opportunities.
In times of global chaos, countries need more than just sound policies—they need visionaries who can turn those policies into actionable change. With a blend of discipline, flair, and foresight, Gregory is positioning himself as a key figure in Malta's innovation movement. And as the nation forges ahead in the race to stay ahead, he is poised to be the guiding light steering the course.
- The new CEO of Malta Enterprise, George Gregory, has revealed Malta's plans to move beyond simple early-stage investment in startups, courting 24 accredited independent venture capitalists (VCs) to build a diverse and dynamic startup ecosystem, which reflects his focus on Malta's tech-driven economy.
- As part of his mission to bridge the talent gap, Malta Enterprise, under the leadership of CEO George Gregory, is backing skilling and reskilling initiatives such as 'Get Qualified', aiming to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of an innovative economy.
- To stay competitive in the global talent race, Gregory is concentrating on attracting and retaining foreign entrepreneurs, with nearly half of new startups in Malta originating beyond the EU, demonstrating an understanding of the challenges in attracting and retaining international talent.
- Besides focusing on the tech and startup sectors, Gregory, as the CEO of Malta Enterprise, is actively promoting innovation in various sectors such as renewable energy, MedTech, microelectronics, and smart manufacturing, with €33 million allocated to support over 50 startups in these fields, reflecting his vision for a resilient and multi-sector innovation economy.
