The New Zealand Tech Alliance is a group of independent technology associations from across New Zealand that work together to ensure a strong voice for technology.
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NZTech Inform – how to help the digital tech sector grow
What do you think we should be focusing on in the next year to help the digital technology sector grow?
A couple of months back the Government launched its new economic development policy, made up of industry transformation plans. This is similar to Singapore’s approach of building industry transformation maps which is a strategic plan for key sectors. In New Zealand, Digital Technologies is one of the first four sector plans under development and we have an immediate opportunity to help guide the Government’s investment and policy development for coming years.
NZTech is working with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to develop the scope for the plan and a vision for the Digital Tech sector’s growth and impact. In November, we will be partnering with other tech associations around the country to host a series of workshops. Keep an eye out for these sessions and come along and help us guide the Government and industry thinking for sector investment in coming years. Meanwhile, drop me a note if you’d like to be more involved.
There are multiple reasons the tech sector is receiving this attention. Next week, the 2019 TIN Report will be launched and we will hear, yet again, how fast the tech sector is growing and learn about even more amazing NZ tech firms having international success. If you haven’t booked your tickets, be quick to avoid missing out!
However, a growing tech sector isn’t simply just about economic growth. As the recent Intelligent Future report from the AI Forum identifies, it’s not about the technology, but solving our biggest problems using the technology. For example, artificial intelligence has been calculated to have the potential to contribute more than $700 million of value and savings to the New Zealand health system by 2026. With ever increasing health costs, smart technology will help the health dollar go further.
Diversity is another crucial area we will be focusing on in the development of the plan. TechWomen have been leading the charge on this and recently launched a series of video’s from women across the sector. Watch them on the NZTech – TechWomen Channel.
Have a great week.
Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
Connect
Join Canterbury Tech on 5 November for Scaling Tech Business and Digital Marketing. Attend the IoT Waikato Tech Meetup on 18 November in Hamilton.
Discover how AI is transforming agriculture at the AI Forum’s launch of AI for Agriculture in New Zealand Report on 29 October in Christchurch.
Meet the Chasm Institute’s Mark Cavender at NZSA on 11-12 November in Auckland for Escape Velocity and 12 November for Crossing the Chasm.
Promote
Attend #cprize2019 entry information events this week in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Attend the Xero Small Business Roadshow now touring until 5 December.
Access your 10 percent member discount for Advancing Digital IT and Law, 25-26 November and Advancing Women in Technical Industries and Roles, 25 November, both in Auckland.
Access your 10 percent member discount for Advancing Digital IT and Law, 25-26 November and Advancing Women in Technical Industries and Roles, 25 November, both in Auckland.
Advance
Nominations for the AI Forum Executive Council have now closed. Please register to attend the Annual Meeting on 14 November (members only).
The IoT Alliance says smarter cities are needed to achieve government ambitions. Read their conference highlights here.
Congratulations to the 2019 winners of the New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards. The AI for Health in New Zealand Report launches tomorrow.
