The Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) is a collaboration between industry and Government to help grow the digital technologies sector. It is something everyone working in tech needs to know about and we want to ensure our ecosystem is well represented.
What is an Industry Transformation Plan?
Industry Transformation Plans (ITP) are being developed for selected sectors where the greatest economic opportunities lay or where the most significant transformation into a modern digitally enabled industry is necessary.
Several ITPs have been developed, for agritech and the construction sector, with plans to create additional ITPs for digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage and forestry and wood processing. Each ITP is different, but all describe an agreed vision for the future state of the sector; and outline the actions required to realise this vision, including investment, innovation and skills development.
The Digital Tech ITP is being led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in partnership with NZTech. Learn more here.
Initial workshops with key stakeholders agreed on a focus on the growth of the digital technology sector itself, rather than the broader uptake of technology across the economy. Further workshops identified the key sector challenges and opportunities. Other workstreams and foundational enablers have been identified to produce a framework from which ITPs can be developed.
What does the Digital Tech ITP cover?
A framework was developed to align the primary workstreams to support the transformation of the digital tech sector. Transformation will come from artificial intelligence (AI), Māori tech success and accelerating tech exports. Solid foundations that will enable growth in these areas include the skills pipeline, Government procurement, data and investment. Telling good stories and promoting our digital sector to the world will further transform the sector. Explore the Digital Technologies ITP workstreams here.
AI Strategy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to drive digital innovation across multiple industries in New Zealand’s economy, for the benefit of all New Zealanders. However, AI also has some inherent risks that need to be appropriately managed to ensure trust, accountability and transparency in its application. This requires a national plan to address potential risks and ensure New Zealand can maximise the opportunities AI presents. Learn more.
Data Driven Innovation
This workstream is focused on harnessing the power of data to make smarter business decisions, and to drive the development of innovative new products and services. For example, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Learn more.
Government Procurement
This workstream is seeking to understand what short and long term changes can be made to the procurements system to improve outcomes for tech firms. Learn more.
Māori Tech Success
Partnership with Māori is a key principle of the development of ITPs. There are significant opportunities for the economy through enabling Māori success in the digital technologies sector. This includes providing clear pathways into the sector, upskilling workers and providing better support for Māori businesses. Learn more.
New Zealand’s Tech Story
Technology is one of New Zealand’s largest export earners and continues to experience rapid growth. However, global awareness of our strength and capability remains relatively low. Developing our reputation as a hi-tech nation will help grow our tech exports, attract investment and talent. Learn more.
Skills Pipeline
Skills are critical to the growth of any sector, and tech is no exception. The research report Digital Skills Aotearoa – Digital Skills for Our Digital Future provides insights into the current labour market. Learn more.
Growing more Exporting Firms
New Zealand has created a number of globally successful tech firms including Xero, PushPay, Volpara Health Technologies, Vista Group. Companies like these create high value jobs and export weightless services at high margins. Analysis suggests that Cloud Software as a Service is a particular strength that can be leveraged.
How can I be involved?
Please explore the Digital Technologies ITP workstreams and learn more about the Digital Tech ITP.
If you would like to be involved in any of the workstreams, please register your interest and sign up for regular updates.
