The Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) is the result of years of collaborative effort between industry and government. It is my hope that this will drive forward transformative change for the sector.
The Government has ambitious goals to achieve a high-wage, low-emissions economy. Growing the digital technologies sector is a practical step towards realising that vision.
New Zealand’s digital technologies sector plays an important part in the diversification of our economy, and as a driver of future sustainable economic growth and jobs. The sector contributed $7 billion to the New Zealand economy in 2021. Careers in digital technologies are high-wage and offer opportunities to lift the prosperity of our communities. Equally important, are economic and social spill-over benefits, such as enabling access to global markets, and providing innovative solutions for combating challenges like climate change.
This ITP seizes the exciting opportunity to execute the vision we have for the future of the digital technologies sector. We want the world to look to Aotearoa as a leader in ethical, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable technologies. This means these technologies enable our economy to prosper, and contribute to the wellbeing of all New Zealanders through higher paying jobs.
As a key tool for delivering on the Mahi Ake- Growth pillar of the Digital Strategy for Aotearoa (DSA) that launched in 2022, the ITP includes focus areas that look to build our national reputation around tech and innovation, improve the digital skills and talent pipeline, build Māori participation and activity in the sector, and support Software-as-a-Service and game development as high-growth, high potential subsectors.
Digital technology exports have limited reliance on natural resources, meaning there are more opportunities for sustainable growth. They can also play a supporting role for other sectors to be more productive through using innovative products and services, and new business models.
Partnership is integral to shaping up the final ITP. A Partnership Board has been established to oversee the implementation of the ITP moving forward. It is made up of a diverse group of leaders who provide business, workforce, Māori and government perspectives. I want to congratulate and thank everyone who has engaged and made a valuable contribution. The final ITP reflects a high degree of engagement from the sector.
I look forward to seeing the next stages of the ITP partnership progress. This includes implementing actions under this ITP that will propel our digital technologies sector further forward. It will also include future iterations of this ITP, as it will be a living plan, reflecting the pace of the tech and momentum behind the partnerships surrounding this work.
Nāku iti nei
Hon Ginny Andersen
Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications
