The Principality has unveiled its ambitious digital transformation strategy, with 5G, fibre, crypto-currencies and smart city
The plan, dubbed "Extended
Monaco", was unveiled on 30 April 2019 in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. The aim of the strategy, devised one year ago, is clear: to make the Principality the world's most digital State. Whilst Monaco's size can sometimes be a handicap, when it comes to the digital transformation it can be a valuable advantage, giving the Principality a unique ability to adapt.
Plans announced by the Monegasque Government naturally include fibre optic and 5G technology, and Monaco should have full 5G coverage by the end of the summer 2019 and full fibre coverage by 2022. The Principality will also get a "Sovereign Cloud", a cloud computer system located within the national territory.
With these new high speed networks, Monaco is also aiming to become a smart city by connecting street lighting, car parking facilities and public services to improve the way they are managed. Digital technology will also simplify everyday life for residents, with an e-health platform set to be created in autumn 2019, allowing patients to make appointments online. Also, by 2022, all administrative procedures will be online.
Monaco is also focusing on digital education, by becoming the first country to introduce IT lessons for kindergarten children, in September 2019. In addition, starting this year, 4,000 civil servants in the Principality will receive training thanks to a new Learning Lab, while members of the Monegasque administration will get an internal social network.
Extended Monaco also aims to win over the business world by developing new technologies such as blockchain. the goal is to secure the Principality's status as a world leader in environmental ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings: a type of funding with cryptocurrencies). To that end, the State will finance a first ICO for the production of a new documentary by Luc
Jacquet, the Oscar-winning director of March of the Penguins.