Sydney-siders rejoice!
Business growth is in the cards, according to a recent government statement.
The NSW Government will make Sydney a global magnet for digital and ICT talent and pilot smart work hubs as part of its response to a high-level research in the form of the Industry Action Plan on the Digital Economy.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner says the final Digital Economy Industry Action Plan identifies seven key areas of development for government and industry to position NSW as a global leader in the sector by 2021.
I love it when a plan comes together
“The high-level Taskforce established to develop this Plan identified the critical need for NSW to build on its digital strengths, with this sector playing a vital role in enabling innovation and productivity gains across other priority sectors in the NSW economy,” says Stoner.
“The Taskforce identified 50 actions for industry and government across seven areas including digital leadership and skills, connecting regional communities; open data innovation, growing Sydney’s Digital Precinct, improving finance and investment channels, and driving infrastructure productivity.”
“The Taskforce believes success in these areas will enable NSW to lead in building a Digital Economy that sets global benchmarks for innovation and economic growth.”
The plan – in all its glory!
Stoner goes on to layout the uber-cool plan of the NSW Government, as follows:
- Introduce Innovate NSW, a new $6.7 million initiative to support deeper collaboration to address the State’s key challenges and opportunities;
- Identify actions to make it easier for all businesses, including SMEs to bid for government goods and services procurement contracts;
- Pilot Smart Work Hubs to increase opportunities for teleworking;
Implement the NSW Government’s Open Data initiative as part of the NSW Government ICT Strategy; - Partner with the Committee for Sydney to identify and implement initiatives to position Sydney as a Global Talent Hub;
- Continue to roll out free and reliable internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots to 139 country libraries across the State under the NSW State Library’s four-year Revitalising Regional Libraries program; and
- Continue to implement the NSW State Library’s major digitization program for its collection and upgrade of its digital infrastructure.
“Sydney is already well positioned for growth in the digital economy, home to a diverse range of global ICT expertise developing innovative solutions in the variety of business and consumer facing sectors,” Stoner continues.
“With this Action Plan, we have a chance to take that momentum and develop Sydney and NSW’s true potential towards a leading role in the global digital economy.”
Well, someone’s been doing their homework
Chair of the NSW Digital Economy Taskforce and Director of IBM Research Glenn Wightwick says the plan’s recommendations are based on months of research, consultation and debate among top dogs in the sector and other exalted gurus.
“A strong and vibrant digital economy will be an essential factor in helping to address future economic challenges and to drive economic growth in NSW,” Wightwick says.
‘You better recognise’
“It is critical that we recognise the central role that ICT is playing in transforming every sector of our economy and see this as an opportunity to improve our competitiveness and productivity. This presents really exciting opportunities for everyone in NSW.”
“The Action Plan offers solutions to a range of issues impacting growth in the Digital Economy including export opportunities, innovation, productivity, investment, skills, employment and workforce participation, business conditions and global competitiveness.”
“Looking forward, only those who can most effectively adopt and exploit opportunities to transform the way they do business, develop new products and services, and improve efficiency and better serve their customers will be leaders in the global digital economy,” Wightwick says.
Stoner says the NSW Government’s plan will bring growth (and all around awesomeness over the course of the next decade.
“The NSW Government’s top priority is to restore economic growth and establish NSW as the first place in Australia to do business,” Stoner says.
“That’s why we established expert Industry Taskforces to develop Action Plans for our priority sectors and recommend actions for government and industry to drive growth over the next ten years.”
Call and response
“The centrepiece of the Government’s response is a new framework underpinning economic development in our State and immediate actions government and industry will take to address the priority issues highlighted by the Taskforces.”
“The NSW Government and industry will continue to work together to implement actions in the medium and long term over the 10 year life of the Industry Action Plan.”
So there you have it, Sydney-siders, for more groovy info on what the Government can do for you, or rather, help your business do, navigate ye ole browser to www.business.nsw.gov.au/iap.
