More than 150 of the Territory’s biggest business innovators turned up or tuned in to the Territory Business Innovation Strategy 2.0 launch.
Held at Development House on Thursday 10 March, big thinkers, digital disruptors and tech entrepreneurs, both online and in person, heard how the Territory Government’s latest strategy plans to deliver tech jobs, support innovators and help make innovation pay.
Underpinning the new strategy is that commercialisation of innovation creates new wealth, with innovation industries expected to make up 10% of the Territory’s $40 billion economy by 2030.
Minister for Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby, outlined how the 2nd strategy will create opportunities to maximise the sector and grow the economy.
“The Territory Business Innovation Strategy 2.0 will help unlock the Territory’s economic potential to become a competitive, global business destination,” he said.
“We want to empower Territorians to innovate and strengthen business to business and industry collaboration.”
Dr Jana Matthews, Director, Australian Centre for Business Growth and ANZ Chair in Business Growth, said the Territory is an ideal place for local businesses to learn how to grow and innovate.
“I’m passionate about promoting entrepreneurial leadership and business growth in the Territory,” she said.
“So when I hear business owners say the [government] programs have been transformational, for their companies and for themselves, this is music to my ears.”
A sizzle reel highlighted the growing innovation sector in the Territory, including businesses in the digital space such as DICE Australia and Mikaela Jade, CEO of tech company Indigital.
“It all started in the Territory,” said Mikaela, who founded Indigital, Australia’s first Indigenous edu-tech company specialising in technology development and digital skills training in 2012.
“It was a challenge at first, but I soon realised it was an incredible strength to develop the start up from a remote community in the Territory.”
In his capacity as NT Branch Chair of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Damien Charles said the ACS considers the Digital Partnerships Program 2.0, which is part of the new strategy, to be key to the growth of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
“For the Territory to build and move towards a $40 billion economy we need a strong ICT sector to underpin that growth, supporting all industries as well as exporting services and solutions outside of the Territory.”
He said the strategy is well placed to take advantage of some of the major ICT infrastructure projects, including the undersea cable projects brining the Territory closer to Asia and creating further business opportunities.
Mr Charles added that other aspects of the strategy will build the capacity and capability of the ICT workforce, such as the Territory’s first co-located Digital Games and Esports Development Centre.
Read the Territory Business Innovation Strategy 2.0
Watch the Innovation Territory video showcased at the launch