AIIA today welcomed the announcement of the IT Industry Innovation Council (ITIIC) by the Minister for Innovation, Industry Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.
“Innovation is essential to Australia’s economic recovery, and ICT is a fundamental component of innovation at all levels and across all industries,” said AIIA CEO Ian Birks.
“The IT Industry Innovation Council will generate a stronger understanding of the value of ICT across the spectrum of industry and economic sectors. This is critical if Australian industry is to realise its aspirations in the current financial climate.”
The Association was pleased with the appointment of AIIA Chair John Grant, Managing Director of Data#3, to the role of ITIIC Chair. The broad range of representation and skills planned for the 23-person board of the Council will serve to deliver high-quality outcomes to both Government and industry.
“The priorities that the Council focuses on will be critical to its ability to drive a successful technology innovation agenda in Australia,” said Mr Birks. “The ICT industry’s enabling role across all sectors of the economy will be as important as any consideration of the industry in its own right.”
“As we build Australia’s infrastructure and economic foundations for the 21st century, we need to consider as a priority how technological advantage is factored into roads, into buildings, into healthcare and into our education system.”
“In this regard, we need a stronger focus on the benefits technology can deliver across the entire economy. Delivering innovative solutions that exceed expectations means considering the transformation that technology can deliver from the outset of planning and investment.”
“The industry will be united behind a Council that can help deliver these outcomes to the Australian community,” concluded Mr Birks.
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