Smart ICT: Taking it to the World

Information Industries Bureau (IIB) Agency of the Queensland Government within the Department of State Development and Innovation Primary charter is to support the growth and development of the ICT industry in Queensland The IIB: –Provides expert advice to Queensland ICT businesses at every stage of their growth –Provides research about local/international trends and opportunities –Facilitates local and international business opportunities for ICT companies –Supports the development of key areas of expertise within the ICT industry in Queensland –The IIB provides a government service hub for the ICT industry

Queensland ICT Industry The ICT industry is a major component of Queensland’s increasingly “smart” economy. Directly employs 56,000 Queenslanders in approximately 3700 businesses (2300 are core software developers and the remainder are retailers and resellers) with total annual revenues of $14.6 billion and exports $850 million. Most Queensland ICT businesses are located in the SE corner of Queensland, with 57% in Brisbane and 24% in the rest of SE Queensland. The remaining 19% are outside the SE corner. Large organisations contribute to 41% of employment in the industry and medium sized organisations account for 43% of exports.

ICT Industry – indirect contribution to economy also significant Australia one of the highest uptakes of ICT in the world (broadband excepted) ICT is a major productivity contributor and enabler for: –established industries/vertical markets - mining, agribusiness, retail etc –high growth industries - biotech, aerospace, environmental, health and security services –community services - health, education, policing etc

ICT Industry Strategy - Background Strategy was launched by the Premier and Minister on 14 December 2004 Arose from meeting between industry and Premier after the last election Nests with overall Smart State Strategy Smart Directions Statement released simultaneously

ICT Industry Strategy - Process In total about a 12 month process Developed discussion paper outlining key issues and possible responses Six industry round-tables for consultation, plus regular meetings with the Minister’s ICT Advisory Group, supplemented by written submissions Six months between the release of the discussion paper and the announcement Parallel process to develop new initiatives to support strategy and to work these through with agencies.

ICT Industry Strategy Vision by 2008, Queensland will be recognised as a global centre for ICT where we have a real competitive advantage. Key areas of focus –Building niche strengths –Medium size growth companies –Internationalise the industry It is important that every regional ICT company is provided with the opportunity to participate in the growth of the industry and that they are effectively linked into the ICT specific programs and services.

ICT Industry Development Strategy Strategy identifies: –10 key challenges –Actions and initiatives to address challenges and fill program gaps –In total, some 38 key actions –Additional actions around Government procurement arising from Smart Directions Statement

Key Challenges Challenge 1 Breaking the barriers to growthBusiness Growth Program Challenge 2 Growing export marketsVertical Markets Initiative Challenge 3 Building niche strengthsICT Uptake Program Challenge 4 Competing for international investment Challenge 5 Working with larger corporations to build local capacityCorporate Engagement Program Challenge 6 Accessing the State Government market ICT Procurement Strategy Marketing of Govt IP Challenge 7 Advancing strategic research Challenge 8 Skilling the industryICT Skills Strategy Challenge 9 Developing regional capacityRegional Forums, Virtual Adviser Challenge 10 Connecting regional Queensland (broadband)Qld Telecommunications Strategy

Current Status Action plan setting out priorities has been developed and project managers appointed Implementation proceeding

Reflections Important to have high level support – Premier Industry involvement in development and implementation, essential Team-based approach – maintaining focus Portfolio project management Measurement – Industry Profile

Questions? Bill Walker, A/g Manager, Policy and Strategy, Information Industries Bureau