Digital Economy Workshops Under Way

Following Government commitments to develop Australia's digital economy including $4.7 billion investment in the National Broadband Network (NBN), and $1 billion in the Digital Education Revolution, a series of workshops with the industry have begun with the view to convening a Digital Economy Forum on 10 September in Melbourne.

Why these talkfests?

According to its background paper it sees a need for a "strategic discussion" on how Australian businesses and innovators will build on its initiatives.

Also it wants to consider emerging issues and trends in the digital economy that affect, from its investment in the digital economy. This process will map out activities by all sectors in relation to these issues.

As a prelude to the big forum, it has engaged business and other stakeholders on the future of the digital economy via three workshops which will lead to a "directions paper for the digital economy" including an understanding of the role of relevant stakeholders to ensuring that "Australia maximises the benefits from the Australian Government's digital economy initiatives".

The discussions will complement research being undertaken by the Department of Broadband Communication and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) on the industry performance.

The three workshops covered separate themes, looking towards 2013: Capabilities, Confidence; and Content.

Each workshop will:

• Consider likely developments in the digital economy to the year 2013 and beyond under each theme;
• Establish an aspiration for where Australia should be in 2013 taking into account the likely developments in the digital economy;
  
• Identify three to five key issues that will impact on achieving that aspiration; and
  
• Map existing and proposed activities of business, Government and other organisations which address these issues and identify any gaps.

Workshops were scheduled for Sydney 12 August; Brisbane, 15 August and Melbourne 22 August. Outcomes of each workshop will be considered by a subsequent forum to be chaired by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.

Source: Internet Industry Association Newsletter

ICTICC has been invited to the Digital Economy Forum on 10th September in Melbourne.  We will put forward the Western Australian Perspective on the Digital Economy and ensure that WA is included in Federal Government policies and initiatives.  A discussion on the Digital Economy Forum is available for you to communicate your view on what the WA ICT Industry needs to take to the Federal Government.