The benefits that flow from the application of information and communications technology apply to everyone – the community, Governments and businesses, small and large, in all industries. The high growth in the ICT industry occurs because of the value it delivers to customers in all sectors:

·          ICT enables industries to lower input costs, reach new customers and markets and provide better services. It can provide competitive advantage.

·          ICT enables governments to deliver services more effectively and efficiently.

·          ICT delivers entertainment and amusement.

·          ICT inherently has no value; it’s how it is used that creates value. The ICT industry needs other industries, governments and the community just as much as they need ICT.

·          Jobs in ICT are usually higher value jobs – attracting growth in this industry delivers more benefit per new job in the state.

·          ICT enables development in all industries. Industry development creates State economic development and this underpins the ability to deliver social programs and services to the community.

·          The boundaries between ICT and other industries are even becoming blurred. How much of a bio-technologists time is spent on biology? On using technology? ICT products and services are the new tools for many industries.

·          Technology, with access to information and on-line services continues to drive changes in business models – new alliances are possible, marketing niches can be served and market power is shifting to customers. More innovation is possible with ICT