2015-11-10 - P&O Agenda - Item 18, Attach 1&2 - Draft Noosa Shire Local Economic Plan

6.3   Digital economy
      Who:
      Digital industries are captured in a number of Australia and New Zealand Standard Industry
      Classifications. For example internet service providers, web search portals and data processing
      services sit within the information media and telecommunications classification whereas computer
      system design and related services sit within the professional, scientific and technical service
      classification.
      For the purposes of this plan the focus of actions is centred on: the provision of critical infrastructure
      necessary to support the use of technology; assisting an entrepreneurial start-up sector to grow and
      prosper; and supporting the growth of existing and new digital economy businesses across all
      industry sectors.
      What:
      Digital Technologies are:
             driving innovation
             changing the way businesses operate
             opening new channels to global markets
             a high value adding sector
             an export focussed sector
             have a strong link to education and training.
      We are in the midst of a global trend that signals a paradigm shift in the way business is carried out,
      including how business engages with its customers. The digital economy extends beyond just the
      ICT sector and significantly affects the competiveness of all businesses. It is widely accepted that
      technology enables many businesses to achieve productivity gains and lowers costs relating to
      production, marketing, sales, back office processing and reporting.
      The Sunshine Coast Digital Action Plan led by Regional Development Sunshine Coast suggests that
      digital innovation positively impacts on supply chain management, process automation, real time
      reporting, business intelligence capabilities and enables greater mobility.
      It is globally recognised that technology based businesses are important drivers of economic growth
      and innovation. Start-up Aus believes that Australia is not keeping pace with the rest of the world,
      has “under-invested” in high tech industries, and this has resulted in many technology companies
      leaving not only regional areas but Australia generally in search of talent, capital and a more
      supportive regulatory environment.
      The digital economy supports diversification in a high value low impact sector that has the potential
      to have a substantial and positive impact on regional exports. It is a sector that embraces clustering
      and collaboration, that links strongly to education, and which is a strong contributor to employment
      growth. Additionally Noosa boasts a range of co-working spaces, serviced offices, networks,
      business mentors and is home to a number of successful digital entrepreneurs.




      How:
      In collaboration with industry, business and relevant organisations that support this sector, this Plan
      looks to encourage:
             access to high speed broadband infrastructure
             use of technology in business
             education and training opportunities
             employment and career paths
             collaboration and clustering.

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