ICT Innovation andEconomic Wellbeing

James ShawGeneral Manager, Strategy Branch

Outline

• the role of ICT in economic wellbeing• Government action• recent DCITA research• the role of EII in innovation strategy

ICT is a ‘general purpose technology’

• while initially disruptive, it has unlimited uses• it improves efficiency and transforms

organisations• it also opens up whole new activities• it will soon be fundamental to all economic

activity

Government Action• A wide range of government departments and agencies

have an interest in ICT and innovation– DEST: Coordinating Committee on Science and Technology,

E-Research program– ICT skills issues– DCITA, DEST, DITR, ARC: building critical mass in ICT R&D– ARC: ICT research training a priority– Treasury: tax treatment of R&D

DCITA’s Role

• to foster development of the ICT industry• to support the development of the information

economy

DCITA’s ICT Industry Activities• industry development aspects of government ICT procurement• SME development• engagement and investment by multinationals• leading edge ICT research• innovation in, and diffusion of, ICT• ICT skills development• NICTA

DCITA’s Information Economy Activities

• the demand side• broadband penetration, online security, critical infrastructure• Strategy Branch:

– key drivers of the information economy– ICT impact on productivity growth– information economy statistics– e-business standards and programs– emerging markets and issues

Strategy Branch: Research

• impacts of ICT on business performance and productivity

• ICT and microeconomic reform as productivity drivers– impact of ICT has been understated– manufacturing: 56 to 80 percent– services: 59 to 78 percent

• more reports in preparation

Achieving Value From ICT (2005)

• comprehensive survey of business ICT use• management practices are crucial

– being ICT aware– being persistent about utilising ICT– being open to organisational change

Next Steps

• research findings are being publicised• further reports forthcoming

The Role of Research

• transforming technology research into practical applications

• developing partnerships with potential users• participating in the strategic innovation dialogue

Questions

james.shaw@dcita.gov.au(02) 6271 1556