In a bold step towards securing Australia’s digital future, the Australian Government is injecting an additional A$1.2 billion into the country’s digital landscape through the Digital Economy Strategy. This visionary plan outlines a comprehensive roadmap, setting policies and actions to propel Australia into a leading digital economy by 2030. Here’s a guide from our ISO27001 certified MSP into this strategy, which encompasses investments in infrastructure, skills, cybersecurity, regulations, and digital trade, aiming to harness the full potential of digitalisation.
The Economic Promise of Digitalisation
The potential benefits of this digitalisation push are staggering, with estimates reaching up to A$315 billion over the next decade. Beyond the economic windfall, the strategy also envisions the creation of up to a quarter of a million new jobs by 2025. This ambitious initiative seeks not only to reap immediate rewards but to lay the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation, positioning Australia as a global digital powerhouse.
Pillar One – The Foundations for Digital Growth
At the core of the Digital Economy Strategy are three pillars, with the first focusing on building the foundations for digital growth. Here, the government aims to create policy settings conducive to a flourishing digital economy. Investments in digital infrastructure, a skilled workforce, digital inclusion, trade agreements, cybersecurity, and robust regulations form the bedrock. The goal is to foster an environment that encourages the adoption and creation of trusted digital technologies, ensuring Australia’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Pillar Two – Building Capability in Emerging Technologies
Recognising the transformative power of emerging technologies, the second pillar emphasises building capabilities in these domains. The government acknowledges the pivotal role of technologies in driving future productivity and prosperity. By understanding and staying abreast of emerging technologies, Australia aims to position itself at the forefront of technological development and utilisation, ensuring it remains a key player in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Pillar Three – Digital Growth Priorities
The third pillar focuses on setting digital growth priorities, outlining four strategic areas where the government can collaborate with the private sector to drive digital growth, jobs, and capability. These priorities include enhancing the digital capability of SMEs, supporting globally competitive industry sectors, building an emerging technology sector, and delivering secure digital government services. This strategic approach underscores the comprehensive nature of the Digital Economy Strategy, covering a spectrum of economic domains.
Promoting and Protecting Critical Technologies
Central to the strategy is the promotion and protection of critical technologies through the Critical Technologies Hub. Advising the government on opportunities, developments, and risks in critical technologies, this hub ensures alignment with national interests, spanning national security, economic prosperity, and social cohesion.
The identified critical technology fields include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnologies, and clean energy generation. Government actions aim to provide access to secure and inclusive technologies, position Australia as a trusted partner, and foster regional resilience and competitive innovation.
Supporting Critical Technology Development and Adoption
The strategy extends support to critical technology industries, including AI, quantum computing, and robotics. Recognising the potential for job creation, economic growth, and enhanced competitiveness, the government is committed to fostering these industries’ development and adoption.
Shaping Global Standards for Critical Technologies
Australia is also increasing its influence on international standards for critical technologies, ensuring that products, services, and systems adhere to safety, consistency, trust, and reliability. By actively participating in the design and use of global standards, Australia aims to assert its presence in shaping the future of critical technologies on a global scale.
Growing the Cybersecurity Industry and Workforce
Recognising the interconnected nature of digital growth and cybersecurity, the strategy places a significant emphasis on growing Australia’s cybersecurity industry and workforce. Strengthening cybersecurity is paramount to ensuring the resilience and sustainability of Australia’s burgeoning digital economy, as the cost and frequency of cybersecurity attacks increase.
Coordinating Digital Economy Policy and Regulations
To navigate the complexities of the digital realm, the Digital Technology Taskforce takes centre stage. This taskforce coordinates whole-of-economy digital policy, ensuring the government stays abreast of the ever-changing digital landscape. Monitoring developments in emerging technologies, digital adoption by SMEs, digital skills and inclusion, and the role of data, the taskforce plays a pivotal role in shaping the government’s digital economy policies and regulations.
Navigating Digitisation for Your Small Business
Australia’s Digital Economy Strategy 2030 is more than an investment; it’s a commitment to charting a digital odyssey that transforms the nation into a global digital leader. By building foundations, embracing emerging technologies, and setting strategic priorities, Australia is not merely adapting to the digital age but shaping it. The emphasis on critical technologies, global standards, and cybersecurity underscores the comprehensive nature of this transformative initiative. As Australia navigates this digital odyssey, the world watches, recognising the potential for innovation, economic growth, and a prosperous digital future.
Trust Our ISO27001 Certified IT Company with Your Digitisation Journey
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Jordan is the Chief Commercial Officer at Otto. Jordan is here to help clients remove roadblocks and achieve the business goals they’ve set out. Jordan’s biggest focus is Customer Experience, Business Relationship Management, Risk Management and Strategy.
