News, views and analysis from the A/NZ tech sector
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Hi there,
New Zealand’s digital skills (or lack of) are back in the limelight with the release of the Digital Skills Aotearoa report. It’s a sobering read, highlighting the under-investment in digital capability, and, more worryingly, that we’re not inspiring future generations in to tech careers.
Not only are there declining numbers of students taking tech – a fact masked to a large degree until now by international students filling the gaps – the research found that when they graduate they’re not even getting related jobs. Employers are looking, almost as a default, toward more experienced – and, anecdotally – cheaper, more enthusiastic and more grateful immigrants to fill positions. As for developing the talent already in the industry? Yeah, nah.
The report will be used to help inform the Digital Technologies ITP, the 'T' standing for 'Transformation' of the industry. But it’s also a call to action. If you haven’t already read the report, I’d encourage you to do so. And then think about what you can do to address the issues raised – because this is a problem not just for the government and education sector, but for every business to invest in building a modern, globally competitive economy.
In other news this week:
- Virtual healthcare disruptor gets cash injection
- NZX taken to task on IT capability after DDoS fail (NB: ref intro)
- Accenture's Fjord Trends suggests opening your tech war chest
- Aussie regulator picks a scrap with Google
When it comes to proving IT capability (...ref intro again...) the Proof of Concept is a well worn path for many risk-averse organisations. Integration specialists Adaptiv have a different view, suggesting the PoC is a flawed approach to proving the value of tech innovation. If you really want to realise genuine production value – and drive down TCO – you could do worse than heed some of their advice.
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Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz
DIGITAL SKILLS
Digital deficiencies creating lost opportunities for NZ
Digital Skills report lays bare Kiwi skills mismatch…
It’s one of the fastest growing parts of the New Zealand economy, with a myriad of different facets and good pay, but New Zealand’s digital sector is failing to attract and develop local talent – and it’s hurting the wider economy.
“More focus, collaboration and investment is essential now.”
[Read more]
VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE
Kiwi virtual Dr app raises $15m
Telemedicine startup wants to digitise going to the doctors…
Launched in October of last year, five month old healthcare teleconferencing app Tend has closed a new funding round having raised a cool $15 million.
Think of it as virtual infrastructure for remote doctor ‘visits’.
[Read more]
CYBERSECURITY
FMA slams NZX while OAIC slams Aussie tardiness
It’s a slam dunk of bad behaviour…
Businesses on both sides of the Tasman have been feeling the heat from increased data breaches and cyber-attacks.
“NZX had limited capacity to address a large workload of required technological repairs.”
[Read more]
TECH TRENDS
DIY innovation and liquid infrastructure guide way
Accenture’s Fjord Trends 2021 reveals new opportunities…
Ask not what new technology can do for you, instead ask what your existing technology can do for you.
“Create a platform and let your customers use your data to enable them to play and create with your products and services.”
[Read more]
DIGITAL ADVERTISING
ACCC takes on Google ad dominance
Weighs up action to bring big ad tech to heel…
Google’s domination of the Australian ad industry has been showcased for all to see in the ACCC’s interim report for its digital advertising services inquiry.
“These issues add to the cost of advertising for businesses.”
[Read more]
ERP BUYER'S GUIDE
OPINION
Proof of concept is so yesterday
Now, it’s all about proof of value…
For a long time the IT industry (amongst others) has focussed on developing a ‘proof of concept’ (PoC) as the first part of a customer engagement.
The ‘proof’ exercise can quickly help your business realise genuine production value.
[Read more]
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