It is broadly acknowledged that there is an inextricable link between State economic development and ICT Industry developments.

 

Here are a few points that help define how close link between broader economic development and the development of information and communications technology and infrastructure.

   ICT underpins our personal and business life - there’s no off switch, no turning back. There is no choice about participating in the information economy - we’re already part of it.

   Access to the information economy, and to modern and affordable ICT services and infrastructure is an entry ticket into doing business or providing services - just like transport or education. South Australia doesn’t have a choice about buying a ticket. - As a state and economy we have a choice to either embrace ICT or fall behind in global economic terms (in both our ability to minimise costs and maximise productivity in existing industry, and our capacity to participate and benefit from new high value business activities).

   All industries and organisations: governments, businesses and institutions, need good support from companies providing ICT services and products to lower costs, reach new customers and markets and create new products and services.

   ICT enhances lifestyle and provides entertainment and amusement. A location with great ICT infrastructure and services attracts and retains more people.

   ICT is a rapid growth industry in it’s own right. In a November 2002 BRW list of the 100 fastest growing Australian companies 9 of the top 20 were from ICT. Three were from South Australia – and all three were ICT companies.

   The State’s comparative advantages in various industries can best be exploited with the support of ICT. It provides the means to achieve greater differentiation, productivity improvements, and reach new markets. Consider an agriculture example – in a CSIRO project, cropping experts across the nation are sharing their skills and determining yield forecasts in real time with the aid of shared computer technology and satellite links. As one farmer put it, "We went from 2 to 3 tonnes per hectare, a 50% increase in yield and a $30 per tonne premium”.