What is the digital economy?

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The digital economy is the global network of economic and social activities that are enabled by platforms such as the internet, mobile and sensor networks.

National Digital Economy Strategy

On 31 May 2011, Senator Stephen Conroy launched the National Digital Economy Strategy.

The strategy provides a series of measurable targets and actions to increase national productivity, ensure Australia's continued global competitiveness and improve social wellbeing.

The eight 'Digital Economy Goals' focus on the areas of:

• online participation by Australian households
• online engagement by Australian businesses and not-for-profit organisations
• smart management of our environment and infrastructure
• improved health and aged care
• expanded online education
• increased teleworking
• improved online government service delivery and engagement
• greater digital engagement in regional Australia.

National Digital Economy Strategy

Summary: Maximising the benefit of the digital economy requires action by all levels of governments, industry and the community as a whole.

The government invites industry, state and territory governments and local councils to join with it to contribute to the vision of Australia becoming a leading digital economy by 2020.

View publication: National Digital Economy Strategy (HTML) | (PDF, 5.31 MB)

Digital Economy: Future Directions

Summary: In July 2009, the Australia Government released the Digital Economy: Future Directions paper to provide background on the importance of the digital economy and progress discussions on the ways government, industry and the community can better access the benefits it can provide.

The discussion paper was developed through a three-stage consultation process and provided the backbone for the development of the National Digital Economy Strategy and the creation a series of eight 'Digital Economy Goals' to ensure Australia realises its aim of being among the world's leading digital economies by 2020.

View publication: Digital Economy: Future Directions paper (HTML) | (PDF, 1.3MB)

Get involved in the Digital Economy

The digitalbusiness.gov.au website has a range of practical advice for business and not-for-profits seeking to benefit from online opportunities.

Find out more about Australia's digital economy and the National Broadband Network at the NBN.gov.au website.

Join the Digital Economy conversation on Twitter (@DBCDEgov) using the #au20, #digibiz or #digitaleconomy hashtags.