Australia Opens up PSI for economic benefit!

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Posted by ChrisCorbin on 14 Jul 2009

Sydney: 14 July 2009

The Australian Federal Government has announced the publication of the report titled: Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions. The report on page 12 under the title: Open access to public sector information for digital economy benefit outlines the Australian Governments proposals to open up access to public sector information to stimulate innovative information services based on the re-use of public sector information.

The announcement states:

“The digital economy is the global network of economic and social activities that are enabled by platforms such as the internet, mobile and sensor networks. A successful digital economy is essential for Australia's economic growth and our ability to maintain our international standing. It offers new opportunities for businesses to a larger, potentially global, audience and for individuals to connect and collaborate.

The Australian Government released the Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions paper on 14 July 2009 which outlines:

why the digital economy is important for Australia
the current state of digital economy engagement in Australia and why current metrics point to a need for strategic action
the elements of a successful digital economy
the role for the Government in developing Australia's digital economy, and
case studies of Australians who have successfully engaged with the digital economy from a diversity of industries including content, e-health, maps, banking, education, smart technology and citizen journalism.”

The report has been published under a Creative Commons Licence.

The press release states:

“This is a landmark event as we chart Australia’s digital future,” the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said.

“The digital economy is essential to Australia’s productivity, global competitive standing and improved social well-being.”

“It is the computers, the phones, our TVs, the networks and the banking systems that we use in our personal life and our business each day.”

“In the future it will be so much more, connecting every part of our lives and providing new opportunities across society and the economy.”

The Conclusions include the following paragraphs:

“However, digital economies are primarily market-led, with Government in the role of an enabler. In its role as enabler, the Australian Government is building or facilitating the development of our digital infrastructure, deploying smart technologies, promoting digital inclusion and reviewing Australia’s regulatory framework to support the rapid change technology facilitates.

With these commitments, it then turns to industry to take the lead to ensure that Australia realises the full potential of the digital economy. This may require a renewed effort, changed focus or new initiative by industry in order to properly leverage the Government’s investment and support.”

Report contents

Executive Summary

Australia’s Digital Economy

The importance of the digital economy
The digital economy: defined
What does success look like?
The need for strategic action
The role for Government
Development of this paper: three stage consultation

Elements of a Successful Digital Economy

Government: lays the foundations for Australia’s digital infrastructure
Government: facilitates innovation
Government: sets conducive regulatory frameworks
Industry: demonstrates business digital confidence and builds digital skills
Industry: adopts smarter use of technology to improve our environmental sustainability
Industry: develops sustainable online content models
Community: enjoys digital confidence and digital media literacy
Community: experiences inclusive digital participation
Community: benefits through online engagement

Engaging All Levels of Government

Benchmarking Australia’s Future Digital Economy

Conclusion

Appendix: Case Studies