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May 4, 2020 NZTech

NZTech Inform – Our Chance To Truly Transform

Kia ora,

Last week, during the seemingly endless zoom, Teams and Hangout meetings, I began to hear a pleasing change of tone. The groups and agencies we are working with on the COVID-19 response, are now spending more time discussing ways to reboot the economy. NZTech is advocating that we should do more than just reboot the economy. This is a chance to transform the economy for the better, by encouraging organisations to adopt technology.

In March, the Productivity Commission released the results of their inquiry into technological change and the future of work. A key theme is New Zealand needs more technology, not less. Promoting its uptake will help encourage adoption and the ability to fully embrace technology.

Over the past few weeks, the Associations within the Tech Alliance have been contacting their members to establish what impact COVID-19 is having on our ecosystem. The survey isn’t complete, however we have released some preliminary results today

The COVID-19 Impact on the Tech Ecosystem survey​ so far (n=196):

  • 17% have had to let staff go.
  • 22% expect to have to let staff go in coming months.
  • The biggest impact is customer access and concerns about cashflow.
  • The biggest impact for startups has been access to funding.
  • The best ways for Government to help right now include helping startups, restart Government IT projects, help small businesses with cashflow and promote technology

The survey also asked what Government could be doing to help the tech sector grow and create jobs post-COVID-19. The most common themes were to encourage digital technology adoption throughout New Zealand and to promote New Zealand technology globally.

As we move from survive to thrive, it is great to see New Zealand technology firms innovating to help support the cause. Soul Machines has provided a free digital human to help answer questions about COVID-19. Last week NZTech loaded some simple advice for New Zealand non-tech businesses about what tech to use and how to keep it secure. Check it out at Bellahelps.com

Best wishes for a safe and productive week.

Ngā mihi

Graham Muller
CEO
NZTech

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