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NZTech Update – What IoT means for the kiwi economy!
Hi Readers
Not surprisingly, I received plenty of feedback from last week’s ‘rant‘. It has helped create a robust national discussion on whether or not there is a skills shortage and thankfully more responses to the Digital Skills Survey. We now have 72 responses from companies, however we need at least another 100 to be able to help influence policy decisions on digital education, immigration and investment in skills development. So, if your firm hasn’t responded please take 20 minutes this week to provide your valuable input here.
Last Thursday, as Chair of the New Zealand IoT Alliance I was excited to release a detailed report about the potential impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on New Zealand. The report is freely available on the IoT Alliance website. Over the past eight months research was conducted comparing New Zealand’s readiness for IoT versus G20 nations, the current levels of uptake, what is holding us back and the greater economic potential. The message was very clear. New Zealand is one of the most ready countries in the world to take advantage of IoT. Yet we have low uptake as companies struggle to identify the return on investment and concerns about which technology to select. If we can help overcome fears by increasing awareness of ways to use IoT to genuinely improve productivity or provide better social outcomes there is enormous economic benefit. From just nine use cases, the research identified $2b in net benefit. Imagine the full potential! The IoT Alliance is now creating working groups to collaborate on potential risks such as security and privacy. Other working groups within the Alliance are looking at ways to collaborate to accelerate the uptake of IoT.
Another interesting development is Artificial Intelligence (AI). On Thursday, I will be joining the Board of the AI Forum of New Zealand’s strategy day as this cross industry, government and academic group delves into the implication of AI on New Zealand’s future.
Then back to Wellington on Friday as NZTech chairs the national gathering of economic development agencies and city council folk from around the country who are responsible for driving the development of their local digital strategies.
Meanwhile, The Ministry of Education would like feedback on the proposed Digital Technology Curriculum. The more voices we can incorporate into this process, the more successful it will be for everyone. Please provide your feedback here.
One more week then it’s time for my winter holiday, which feels like it is coming at exactly the right time. Bring on the snow!
All the best
Graeme
Mark your diary to be inspired
Read our Tech ManifestoCONNECT
Join NZSA on 11 July in Auckland with angel investor Rudi Bublitz for Identifying Profitable Market Segments.
Why is political correctness hurting diversity? Read what Rachel Kelly has to say. Then, join us in Wellington this week for Developing Diversity.
Join FinTechNZ Connect in Auckland on 17 July. The next Blockchain Gathering is on 27 July, also in Auckland.
PROMOTE
Thank you to the Hon Simon Bridges for launching the research report, The Internet of Things – Accelerating a Connected New Zealand on Thursday in Wellington. Research predicts IoT could be worth more than $2.2 billion to New Zealand over 10 years.
Newly released research says IoT will be supported by artificial intelligence by 2020. Agri-business using IoT will jolt the local economy. The research also shows that cities will become safer and more desirable to live in when IoT takes hold. Read the full report here.
Want to know more about IoT? Read the research report highlights here. Check out the New Zealand IoT Alliance online. Follow @NZIoTAlliance on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
ADVANCE
Voting is open for the NZTech Board, with a record number of 21 nominees vying for seven available positions on the Board. Voting closes on 7 July. Meet our 2017 board nominees.
Get ready for #WCIT2017 in Taipei, 10-13 September. This year’s theme is Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age, Building and Sharing the Dream.
Enter the New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards for 2017. Check out the categories and enter online. Nominations close 25 August.
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