Conclusion
The task of transforming Australia's economy and society into a successful digital economy is a significant one that requires a long-term focus. This paper outlines areas for government, industry and community to work on to ensure that Australia is well on the path to a successful digital economy.
Both government and industry must devise their strategies recognising that this is a process which touches all aspects of our economy and society. Australia is not alone in realising the magnitude of this challenge. As the OECD has noted:
'ICT policies are now becoming less sector-specific and more a part of the mainstream economic policies that concern the economy and society as a whole[...].OECD countries with long-term strategies for information societies typically emphasise the role of ICTs and the internet as key enablers of wider societal change.'192
This Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions paper aligns with other important Australian Government initiatives to enable Australia to become a more innovative nation with world-class infrastructure that supports the smart, effective and rewarding use of technology throughout all aspects of our economy and society. This paper complements the Powering Ideas paper, which outlines an innovation agenda for the 21st century. It provides the vision underlying the Government's existing commitments to establish a company to build the National Broadband Network and switching existing television services to digital-only.
However, digital economies are primarily market-led, with Government in the role of an enabler. In its role as enabler, the Australian Government is building or facilitating the development of our digital infrastructure, deploying smart technologies, promoting digital inclusion and reviewing Australia's regulatory framework to support the rapid change technology facilitates.
With these commitments, it then turns to industry to take the lead to ensure that Australia realises the full potential of the digital economy. This may require a renewed effort, changed focus or new initiative by industry in order to properly leverage the Government's investment and support.
The National Broadband Network, in particular, will allow Australia to become a global leader in terms of capacity and enjoy truly high-speed carrier grade video, data and voice services. This will have significant implications for industry in terms of new services, applications and business models. To assist Australia's research community and commercial sector to fully map the applications and business models which will thrive in Australia's high-speed future the Government will host a National Broadband Network: Realising the Vision forum before the end of 2009.
It is also important that industry and the public continue to provide feedback and suggestions for new ideas about how to progress the future of Australia's digital economy or additional case studies. For those with comments or suggestions, please forward them to DEFutureDirections@dbcde.gov.au or send to:
Assistant Secretary, Digital Economy and Convergence Branch
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
GPO Box 2154
CANBERRA ACT 2601
It is not our intention to publish any comments we receive. However, should we wish to do so, we will contact you to seek your permission.
With the initiatives outlined in this paper and through these ongoing discussions, the Australian Government is confident that, in keeping with the true spirit of the online world, we can continue to collaborate, discuss and engage with all parts of Australian industry and the community to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of the digital economy for Australia.
[192] Organisation of Co-operation and Development, Information Technology Outlook, p. 335 (last accessed: 25 June 2009).
Previous page: Benchmarking Australia's Future Digital Economy | Next page: Appendix: Case Studies
