Hi there,

Sir Peter Gluckman hit the nail on the head recently when he called for New Zealand to refresh its broad economic strategy to focus on the weightless economy and the potential of the food sector to help flatten the downside of post-Covid economy.

In doing so, Gluckman – director of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures and former chief science advisor – outed a lack of long term strategic analysis, leadership and support for the education and digital sectors.

At a time when three of New Zealand’s highest income sectors – tourism, export education and agriculture – are under threat from long term challenges, Gluckman, like many others across New Zealand, is calling for renewed discussion about the country’s longer term strategy, with actions and policies to support long-term economic growth and social development and alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

It’s time to empty out the ‘too hard’ basket, where so many issues have been relegated for too long, and tackle them head on – not just government, not just industry, not just education, but a combined effort.

MBIE's Industry Transformation Plans (more on the digital draft next week) are one initiative amongst many to accelerate change. At a time when businesses are being forced to pivot and be agile, it’s time NZ Inc too, leveraged our collective capability to do the same.

In other news this week:

IDC outlines why technology is central to the Covid recovery
Finalists for CIO Awards unveiled – who’s in the running?
CyberCX’s new growth strategy: buying into NZ
Aussie startups are mad – and they’re not going to take it, anymore

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

COVID THINK TANK

Lack of leadership on digital and education hinder NZ Inc

Covid creates incentive to rethink the path ahead, Gluckman says…

Former chief science advisor Sir Peter Gluckman has called out successive NZ govts for a lack of leadership and support for digital and education – areas critical for the weightless economy that could lift us out of the Covid doldrums.

“Building this asset will require new strategies and much more than the rather limited efforts made by successive governments.”

[Read more]

CIO SUMMIT

IDC: Tech guides way through Covid recession

But Covid changes DX priorities…

If there’s been an overarching positive to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s the role technology is playing to mitigate the impact of a recession and set businesses up for a competitive advantage post-recession.

“Unlike prior recessions, technology will help determine the readiness for this next normal.”

[Read more]

ROAD TO RECOVERY

CIO AWARDS

Vying for glory: NZ’s IT leaders line up for CIO Awards

CIO Awards finalists unveiled…

CIOs from organisations forced front and centre by Covid-19 are among those in the running for top honours at this year’s CIO Awards.

“The organisations' commitment to DX prepared them to respond faster to the impact of Covid-19, turning disruption into a catalyst for change.”

[Read more]

CYBERBUSINESS

Aussie’s CyberCX takes on NZ market

VC-funded cybersecurity group buys into NZ…

Framing it as a chance to create a unified domestic cyber capability – while going after its NZ$600 million cybersecurity services market – Australia’s CyberCX is launching in New Zealand.

“For too long we have relied on international companies for cyber services, where their interests don’t always align.”

[Read more]

AUSSIE STARTUPS

Aussie startups to govt: you’re not listening

Tech leaders demand better engagement – and R&D reform – from Govt…

Aussie startups are mad as hell (with the Federal Government’s failure to support innovation) and they’re not going to take it anymore (without penning a strongly-worded letter).

“Wake up Australia! We must encourage and incentivise innovation and invest in our talent.”

[Read more]

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