RDA Moreton Bay Digital Economy Strategy contract awarded
Published: 23rd October 2012
RDA Moreton Bay (Queensland) recently appointed Explor Digital Futures to create a Digital Economy Strategy for the Moreton Bay Region.
RDA Moreton Bay is interested in understanding how the new National Broadband Network (NBN) infrastructure will impact the development of a digital economy in the region. The opportunities for the region to develop a sustainable and thriving digital workforce will also be explored.
The Digital Economy Strategy will enable the region to maximise opportunities from existing and emerging broadband and digital technologies.
Neil Hoddinett the Chair of RDA Moreton Bay said, “Over 80,000 residents commute daily to Brisbane for work. This figure will increase significantly as the region’s population grows to over 530,000 by 2031.
“Recent studies by IBIS World, Deloitte Access Economics and KPMG have all found enhancements in information technology through high-speed broadband and how it can contribute to the Australian economy.”
Mr Hoddinett said that the NBN’s potential to increase productivity would have flow on effects to the economy.
“Employees annual productivity can provide substantial economic benefits to Australia by improving the quality of goods and services and increasing the productivity with which they are produced.”
The NBN roll out across the Moreton Bay region is expected to commence during 2012/2013 and is anticipated to give further momentum to widespread digitalisation of business processes and services. The infrastructure is expected to enhance improved workforce productivity, attract new investment to the region, and promote business competitiveness and growth.
“The internet has changed the world we live in and there is no way of going back. A digital revolution is transforming every part of the economy; individuals, businesses and governments have no choice but to adapt or be left behind.
“The future direction is clear. The digital economy is now the whole economy and the internet plays a role in every forward looking enterprise,” Mr Hoddinett said.
RDA Moreton Bay will be hosting a Digital Futures Forum towards the end of November to inform the development of the strategy and ensure it is relevant to the needs and aspirations of the region.
The Digital Economy Strategy is being funded by RDA Moreton Bay in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Queensland Government.
For more information, visit the RDA Moreton Bay website.
(Pictured above) RDA Moreton Bay Executive Officer Andrew Quain at a recent Regional Roadmap function.