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ICT outlines its 10-year vision

Philip Argy, Information Age

17/06/2007 20:38:55

This event has the potential to change significantly the development of the sector by addressing what needs to happen to ensure a bright future, not only for ICT itself, but for the entire economy, dependent on technology for the innovation that drives our prosperity.

The release of a 10-year vision by the National ICT Industry Alliance (NICTIA) provided an unprecedented opportunity for all key stakeholders to stand together to deliver a comprehensive document that articulated all sectors' needs.

All but one of the 21 NICTIA members gave their full support to the document they helped to create, allowing it to stand as the quintessential vision for the entire ICT sector.

The ACS is enormously proud of this achievement, given that we initiated the vision project and ultimately drove the development process to its logical result; our own policy officer Len Joynson coordinated the project and synthesised disparate views into one.

We believe it is essential that the industry present a cohesive front and focus on the key issues needed for the sector as a whole to thrive, rather than the traditionally fragmented approach of individual associations all chasing their own agendas with no common purpose.

As the only professional association for the ICT industry, the ACS was the most altruistic of all NICTIA members, having no agenda other than that which benefits the industry as a whole. This will ultimately provide the most opportunities for our members because, as Australia thrives, so do professional ICT practitioners.

We first proposed the idea of a joint vision in March, 2006 and worked with other NICTIA members to elicit their views and ultimately create a comprehensive 12-point vision.

To compete effectively with our trading partners, Australia needs an overarching, medium- to long-term, strategic framework that provides direction and structure for ICT policy and is aimed at generating sustainable growth within ICT.

Australia enjoys a significant comparative advantage in innovation, yet we have a poor track record when it comes to commercialising and promoting our ICT products and services. The vision is designed to address the different factors that have greatest potential to enable Australia's ICT sector to grow and develop, increase its competitive advantage, and attract both the investment and other opportunities it needs to keep moving forward.

According to NICTIA president Tony Hill, a strong, commercially competitive technology sector will provide cutting edge solutions and tools, drive productivity growth and supply the expertise to underpin operations in all other sectors of the economy.

He said the national ICT vision is designed to unite the efforts of government and industry, inspire and support entrepreneurs, encourage commercialisation, develop human capital and deliver the practical infrastructure to underpin the next generation of productivity improvements in the economy while providing accrued benefits to all Australians.

Energising Australian Innovation - A 10-Year Strategic Vision for the Australian ICT Sector is just that - a vision. It details a dozen high-level ambitions that Australia's ICT leaders believe are essential for this nation to fulfil its true potential and compete on equal footing with our trading partners and competitors.

We did not see it as our role to provide a blueprint for how each vision should be achieved, nor costings. Instead, we sought to provide direction and guidance for the development of policy at federal, state and local government levels.

We believe these vision statements should be central to strategy and policy being prepared and delivered in this important election year.

The specific vision statements are detailed elsewhere in this issue, but the key elements focus on government providing smarter support for ICT, fostering innovation through better procurement practices, providing access to market intelligence, encouraging collaboration and providing a technical infrastructure and regulatory framework that supports innovation and competition, and promotes professionalism.

Incorporating as they do the combined wisdom of the entire ICT industry, the vision statements are fundamental to Australia's future success as an innovator and producer of commercial, globally competitive ICT products and services.

The document has been made available to decision makers on both sides and all levels of government as the next step in developing Australia as a leading player in the international ICT industry.

Philip Argy President