**4. Conclusion**

Maritime is lagging behind other areas of business and industry in terms of digitization. This is especially true in developing countries. Therefore, in this chapter, the results of two case studies on digitalization in maritime, conducted in developing countries, are presented, along with some comparative analyzes with developed countries in certain areas. These studies were conducted on a relatively small sample and in the future, longitudinal studies should be conducted on a larger sample and in a larger number of countries in transition. The results should be presented to ICT&S designers in developed countries in order to find solutions for intelligent design of ICT&S in maritime in perspective. These systems should provide benefits for all. If we strive for sustainable development, then it must ensure development for all. Entire continents cannot be excluded from the plans for further development of ICT&S, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. This, of course, requires a broader platform, which includes standardization of ports and ships as basic maritime structures onto which ICT&S are built.

General knowledge about new technologies in developing countries exists, but there is a lack of expertise when it comes to hardware, software, network architecture, cyber safety, security, etc. Furthermore, developing countries suffer lack of funds for investments in advanced ICT&S. These countries are excluded from the strategic plans on the development and implementation of new ICT&S solutions. The governments should consequently invest more into attaining sound knowledge in contemporary ICT&S, including disruptive technologies like blockchain and its implementation in global supply chains. Standardization in maritime is the key enabler of faster modernization. In addition, profound research of internet connectivity at sea is of crucial importance for further development of IoT applications in maritime as the key condition for achieving equal presence of ICT&S applications on land and at sea. Maritime industry and high(er) maritime education institutions should cooperate much more closely to alleviate the gap between developing and developed countries in terms of achieving a higher level of graduates' employability, while the sphere of digitalization can provide many opportunities in this respect. Rising awareness about digital transition in maritime and opening discussions among professionals and academics should become common practice. The involvement of legislatures and tight collaboration of key stakeholders in maritime emerging economies are necessary regarding harmonization of ICT&S deployment across global maritime ecosystem and overcoming the existing gap in digitalization.

*On Maritime Digitalization in Emerging Environments DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104185*
