SOUTHERN Cross University and Business GC have launched a project to identify the capabilities of the Gold Coast’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry and identify growth areas.
Associate professor Stephen Kelly, head of the school of commerce and management says the recent announcement by the Federal Government that high-speed broadband would be rolled out across the country highlighted the need to be proactive in the area of ICT.
“For regions such as the Gold Coast which aim to attract international business, it is becoming increasingly important to have a strong ICT industry,” says Kelly.
“It has been demonstrated that the existence of a strong ICT sector increases economic growth. The aim of this study is to firstly examine the capabilities of the Gold Coast ICT industry, and secondly to look at opportunities for further enhancement through training and innovation.”
The research will examine strategic posture, attitudes to collaboration and attitudes to internationalisation by ICT firms and link these factors to firm performance. The first stage of the project will include an online survey and the development of a database and internet portal.
Meanwhile, the Coast’s ICT industry workgroup, alongside eight ICT associations has run a lobbying campaign to raise the profile of the industry.
The message centres on the size and importance of the local ICT industry and its capacity to generate 30,000 new ‘smart’ jobs over the next three years.
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