#PMdigital–The Australian Prime Minister’s Digital Forum

October 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

On Friday, October 5, the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, hosted a forum on the digital economy. Streamed via the web it brought together business leaders, academics, politicians and small business owners. Through out the day, speakers returned to the themes that are driving change in our lives – what we refer to as the five forces of the consumerisation of IT. PLUS the need for skills and training – ways to impact the culture of business, drive change in our workforces and prepare our teams for the future of work.

This storify captures and curates the topics from the day.


Forum on the Digital Economy

The Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, hosted a forum on the digital economy. It brought together more than 30 senior business representatives, entrepreneurs and industry bodies to discuss how Australia can best maintain an edge in growing the digital economy.

Storified by Gavin Heaton · Sat, Oct 06 2012 22:28:30

In Sydney today. Meeting with teaching students at UNSW then Forum on the Digital Economy. Ask questions on #pmdigital before 12. JGJulia Gillard
@servantofchaos so far, i see too many men, too many old men, and too many suits #pmdigitalforum /@FLTBTGalan jones
RT @thefetch: RT @thefetch: For those following the #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum check out what’s going on in digital in Australia on http://t.co/sY1PDr …Nicole Matejic
@bigyahu & same group of old male suits are throwing out ideas "guaranteed" to get more interest in STEM subjects from girls #pmdigitalforumJennifer Macdonald
POV: It’s about the 5 forces of consumerisation of IT – from transactions to engagement http://su.pr/1uWOdq #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @techAU: RT @techAU: Wow.. 70% of Australia Post parcel shipping is generated from online sales #PMDigitalForummygivee
@tuna Yep – it looks like an intro for Gov/Big Business to what’s been going on for years #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: If someone’s going to cannibalise our business, it should be us: @australiapost #pmdigitalforumGionest Greene
Prime Minister’s Forum on the Digital Economy (with images, tweets) http://ow.ly/eeVv7 Storify by @yawcrc #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum ^BTConnecting Up
RT @geeksrulz: RT @geeksrulz: PM held the forward looking #pmdigitalforum today about the digital economy while Abbott played navel gazing narcissistic …j4gypsy
RT @MissLaurenMoss: RT @MissLaurenMoss: No young representation. How is this still happening?!! #pmdigitalforumNurse Whitebeard
RT @jalbinag: RT @jalbinag: many pens, not many ipads/tablets on the #pmdigitalforum table :) Antonio Tirado
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: Way more than $1 trillion at stake in the workplace of the future #pmdigitalforum #futureofwork http://su.pr/1QPiYPLuis Rasquilha
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: Really? Young people shouldn’t be represented at #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum? I see that oversight as a major failKathy Magee
RT @MissLaurenMoss: RT @MissLaurenMoss: No young representation. How is this still happening?!! #pmdigitalforumMarie Bismark
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: Hearing a lot about leadership, culture and change #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum Like to hear these leaders actually co …Alfred Fuhr
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: POV: Still not a fan of "fail fast". We need to fail + learn = #flearn #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumAlfred Fuhr
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: "The digital economy is like a train that we can’t stop". All aboard! #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumAlfred Fuhr
Brilliant – thanks! MT @mattner_d: Stats on #pmdigital & #pmdigitalforum at http://bit.ly/PVTXX0 & @yawcrc Storify at http://bit.ly/SB8ZokBen Leong
For those following the #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum check out what’s going on in digital in Australia on http://thefetch.com @JuliaGillardThe Fetch
RT @mattner_d: RT @mattner_d: For the data curious, stats on #pmdigital and #pmdigitalforum at http://bit.ly/PVTXX0 and a Storify from @yawcrc at http: …David Pecotic
Enterprises are continuing to watch the startup sector – seeking emergent and best practices, new ways of working and opportunities to outcompete their competitors. 
RT @servantofchaos: "we have to educate our managers … to work in flatter hierarchies" #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum Yep – agreeNiki Gallo Hammond
RT @bhowarth In the digital world being clever is not enough – we need infrastructure, education, awareness & a sense of urgency #pmdigitalSam Searle
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: Heh – Love that Dell talk about "how can we be like @atlassian": @kiwilark #pmdigitalforumEO San Francisco
RT @yawcrc: RT @yawcrc: Tony Shepherd arguing for NBN "most powerful utility AU has ever seen" #pmdigital watch now: http://awe.sm/a6Jl7Nurse Whitebeard
ok here is the #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum theme song..#nbnconnection "the dreamers, the doers & the dollars" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhMKristyNapier
Absolutely. RT @servantofchaos "Technical skills are not enough – we need boundary crossing skills" – excellent #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumChristopher Hewett
Andrew Stevens, CEO of IBM Australia brought up the topic of remote working or “teleworking” – something that has been widespread in the tech community for years. Wider adoption of this alternative way of working taps into the #futureofwork as a business theme.
Andrew form IBM notes that the 20th century is the first century where people ‘go’ to work #pmdigitalAlan Cockerill
Oh and by the way, when Andrew Stevens says "telework" he doesn’t mean watching Oprah #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Love it! Andrew Stevens taking the work/life balance as a 20th century concept to #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumKristyNapier
The C20 was the only century where people left home to go to work. #pmdigital #IBMNarelle
technologically competence isn’t enough we need boundary crossing skills , integrating skilling , leadership and collaboration #pmdigitalJeffrey Rufino
POV: All those micro-managers that we have created will freak over teleworking #futureofwork #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Doing a little dance of fandom of the teleworking (sitting at home, running team meetings, watching #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum)KristyNapier
I really like Andrew Steven’s comment on 20th Century was the last century where people had to leave home to work #pmdigitalKarina Silva
Can we rebrand Telework? Sounds like working on the phone #CallCentre #PMDigitalForumJason Cartwright
"The digital economy is like a train that we can’t stop". All aboard! #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
larger orgs harder to digital-morph due to lack of people with exp. dealing with the corporate beast as well as tech skill #pmdigitalforumjorge albinagorta
ive been surprised in moving from netherlands to nz, then oz at the very low levels of #telework support here #networkedpractice #pmdigitalJoyce Seitzinger
technical skills are not enough, we need boundary-crossing skills to build the digital economy. Its not just technical competence #pmdigitalDigital Sydney
"we have to educate our managers … to work in flatter hierarchies" #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum Yep – agreeGavin Heaton
We need to test the connections between education, business and innovation #pmdigitalforumChete
Many speakers called attention to Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN). A hot political football in public debate, business leaders made it clear that they saw the NBN as a vital base for future innovation.
Lots of support for NBN at the #pmdigitalforum and its essential role as strategic web infrastructureGavin Heaton
“@techAU: NBN is NOT an expensive investment #PMDigitalForum” NO the necessary investment is being done very expensively!Rohan J Gre
en
RT @jeffreyrufino: RT @jeffreyrufino: NBN isnt expensive. we need better PR. Overcome the ignorance . NBN is a great invesment. #pmdigitalScott
"The most powerful utility the world has ever seen" #NBN #PMDigitalForumJason Cartwright
RT @DBCDEgov: RT @DBCDEgov: PM: Need to get #NBN out there because of how it will change our economy, service delivery and productivity #pmdigitalRoger Woodward FCA
"We’ve got to overcome the ignorance around NBN" #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
POV: We don’t need a vision. We need some commitment and support for what’s already happening #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
The conversation shifted to demographics. On the forum were representatives from the Baby Boomer and Gen X demographics – but Gen Y – the so-called “digital natives” or “net generation” were conspicuously absent. It appears that they were not invited.
Quote #pmdigitalforum "the net generation aren’t even represented here, not that they should be, don’t get me wrong.." er, why?? #pmdigitalJennifer Macdonald
Really? Young people shouldn’t be represented at #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum? I see that oversight as a major failGavin Heaton
@servantofchaos maybe we are living in some alternate universe and it’s not actually 2012? #pmdigitalLauren Moss
RT @craigthomler: RT @craigthomler: @MissLaurenMoss @servantofchaos excluding population aged under 30 from #pmdigital is an oversight. Includes over 8 mi …Lauren Moss
RT @yawcrc: RT @yawcrc: “The net generation are now 25% of the population and will overtake baby boomers by end of this decade.” #pmdigital http://t …Kathy Magee
When @vibewire created #electionwire with Google’s help it changed the nature of participation in digital democracy #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: If we are talking about the "future", why aren’t there more (any) young people at #pmdigitalforum cc @vibewirewilldonovan
POV: Digital is not just taking what we already do and going online. We need to rethink the nature of what we do #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @yawcrc: RT @yawcrc: “Young ppl: freest living ppl ever in history, most educated, astonishing. Better start to understand them.” #pmdigital http …TheDeafGuy
RT @Edmonton_Biz: RT @Edmonton_Biz: @servantofchaos @vibewire #pmdigitalforum could it be young people just do it?Vibewire.org
@NickosKitchen discussed the opportunity for innovative content producers.
Love the comment from @NickosKitchen: "I export content and import views." Social media & small business at the #PMdigitalforumBen Leong
lol – treat your audience like your girlfriend #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Was that a quote?! RT @servantofchaos: lol – treat your audience like your girlfriend #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumwilldonovan
Oh god, not more people saying digital & social media marketing is free!? IT’S NOT, nothing is free, especially this!! #pmdigitalforumMartin Walsh
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: The PM is doing a good job in her role as Tony Jones #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum #qandaTim Fawcett
RT @DigitalHume: RT @DigitalHume: Good commentary from Bill Scott on opportunities for agriculture & the #digitaleconomy on the #PMdigitalforum http: …Cisco ANZ
One of the recurring themes of the day was on the topic of education and skilling. A great deal of attention was paid to the topic of technology skills – but this was also seen as just one element. Business culture, innovation and social learning was also on the agenda.
Skills don’t happen in isolation. You need communities and spaces too. That’s what’s been going on at @vibewire #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
A good example of self-organising skills/training is http://www.skillshare.com/ #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
We also need the cultural transformation to match the skilling needs #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @techAU: What about making programming part of the curriculum Prime Miniter? #PMdigitalforum #FutureEd <- that’s what the UK are doingchieftech
"Priorise ICT in schools" says CSIRO #PMDigitalForumJason Cartwright
Hearing a lot about leadership, culture and change #pmdigital #pmdigitalforum Like to hear these leaders actually committing to it tooGavin Heaton
POV: Vertical hierarchies may be breaking down but we’re a long way from seeing this in most workplaces #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: Way more than $1 trillion at stake in the workplace of the future #pmdigitalforum #futureofwork http://su.pr/1QPiYPBen Johnson
@chieftech #pmdigitalforum @servantofchaos this relevant Lessons for Enterprise from Facebook and its 1 billion users http://www.walteradamson.com/2012/10/lessons-enterprise-facebook-1-billion.htmlWalter Adamson
RT @techAU: RT @techAU: Wow.. 70% of Australia Post parcel shipping is generated from online sales #PMDigitalForumCarolina Timm
"Being cloud first" is essential for business innovation. #PMDigitalForumAlana Fisher
RT @techAU: RT @techAU: @kwebb @chieftech – We need both, but not everybody needs nursing skills in 2050. #pmdigitalforumDart Wooden
yet we do have the tools & the skills to facilitate knowledge transfer at "cloud" speed, but its needs support #pmdigitalforumchieftech
now @scottfarkas is sharing his @atlassian experience – talking about the impact of globalisation #pmdigitalforumchieftech
Small businesses were seen as major beneficiaries in the shift to digital, yet many lack the skills and experience needed to take advantage of the opportunities.
Interesting @servantofchaos 46% of GDP comes from small business – we see SMB move to the cloud to support that growth @xero #pmdigitalforummaryella hatfield
Most studies show ~65%+ AU #smallbiz have no website. Driving Biz Online program is good start, but what is govt doing? #PMDigitalForumAlana Fisher
"There’s an education gap in small business for [digital] retail" #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Catch Of The Day initially set out to sell 60 items/day on eBay. What a great digital success story from @pookiman #PMDigitalForumAlana Fisher
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: SMB want the simplification of IT that cloud delivers: @xero #pmdigitalforumbigwags
RT @techAU: RT @techAU: This year, 25% of PayPal’s transactions in Australia are done on mobile, projections of up to 70% #PMDigitalForumBen Teoh
Australia Post straddles the enterprise and small business market. 
"Get with the [digital] program" says @australiapost #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Technology is not driving change. Consumers are driving change. It’s obligation to serve our customers: @australiapost #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
We need to win the early scale challenges says @australiapost #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
“@servantofchaos: Amazon now sell half of the nappies sold in the US: Stephen Conroy #pmdigitalforum” #retail #CloudJames Gorry
If someone’s going to cannibalise our business, it should be us: @australiapost #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
If we don’t want to end up like Kodak, what are we going to do to adapt? @australiapost #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: POV: Lots of talk about disruptive technology at #pmdigitalforum – but it’s driven by peopleTatiana Tosi
Xero – SaaS accounting software platform – bring cloud computing to the small business sector – but are also finding that as a business theme, mobility is having a massive impact on the way small businesses perform.
"business owners are truly mobile": @xero #pmdigitalforumGavin Heat
on
46% of GDP comes from small business – we see SMB move to the cloud to support that growth: @xero #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Aussie businesses aren’t making effective use of IT, missing 12% productivity benefit https://chieftech.posterous.com/productivity-and-business-seize-the-day #pmdigitalforumchieftech
Yep – big data, mobility, social, unified comms and cloud converge #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Conroy joins in the conversation to discuss the #NBN #PMDigitalForum – http://www.pm.gov.au/digitalforumJason Cartwright
POV: Would have liked to have seen more digital ways to participate #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Agile and Scrum dev get a mention #Amazing #developerDeveloperDeveloper #PMDigitalForumJason Cartwright
Andy Lark, CMO of the Commonwealth Bank spoke of the need to build digital skills into the workforce.
"If we don’t grow a digital savvy workforce, we will lag the world fast": @kiwilark #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
POV: @aussiefarmersd are a good example of the on and offline / omni channel strategy is ascendant #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
POV: Education should NOT follow the #retail sector – but there does need to be a new education experience #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Exactly – online drives off – we may learn online but we need to connect IRL #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
When we can enrol in a course in < 2minutes it changes the way we think of the future #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Digital pioneer, Steve Vamos brought up the topic of failure, learning and the importance of continuous innovation.
If I wasn’t prepared to learn then I would suffer. If I wasn’t prepared to fail, then I wouldn’t learn: @stevevamos #flearn #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
POV: Still not a fan of "fail fast". We need to fail + learn = #flearn #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Management practices in the digital era are significantly different: @stevevamos #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
@megabowman Puffles says lots of boards of directors tend to only hear the risks associated with social media, not benefits #pmdigitalThe Dragon Fairy
many pens, not many ipads/tablets on the #pmdigitalforum table :) jorge albinagorta
digital transformation is more cultural than technological #pmdigitalforumjorge albinagorta
RT @servantofchaos: "It’s the obligation of every CEO to bring your staff along with you on this digital transformation" #pmdigitalforumStephen Ellis
POV: While Virgin think "access" is the important aspect. I think it’s more about engagement #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @kellysaysthat: RT @kellysaysthat: #pmdigital Big business gets way too much credit for doing a moderate job in Social. #pmdigitalMartina
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: Great point from @bhowarth – need to bring startup culture and thinking to the big end of town too #pmdigitalforumIBMAus_news
"It’s the obligation of every CEO to bring your staff along with you on this digital transformation" #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
CommBank and @kiwilark get a mention re innovation and tech for enterprise #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
And more happening with @digital_sydney, @pollenizer etc #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
@servantofchaos its really funny there is a ground swell, but it takes govt/big business 5 years to notice… #tooslow #PMDigitalForumGary Barber
The discussion shifted to the importance of physical spaces – and the emergence of digital precincts as hubs for startups and innovators.
Great to hear talk of the innovation precincts that are emerging in Australia – eg UTS, Vibewire and Fishburners in Ultimo #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
@shoesofprey talks about the disappointment with IIF grants ending http://ow.ly/eeKNV #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: "There’s an education gap in small business for [digital] retail" #pmdigitalforumDigital Newcastle
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: As Tony Faure says we need to encourage experimentation #pmdigitalforum – time to "#FLEARN"Matt Jones
Love that Angel and VC funding are being dicussed at this level in Australia, it’s been a long time coming #PMdigitalforumJason Cartwright
RT @constructivco: Check out @pollenizer for more information. Great contributions at #PMDigitalForumGavin Heaton
Tony Faure from incubator, Pollenizer, discussed the legislative and regulation challenges that governments have put in place and how they inhibit innovation in the startup sector. A key element of this is the taxation implications around employee share options.
@glengyron Grants are available but often not taken up through lack of awareness #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
RT @servantofchaos: Lots of support for NBN at the #pmdigitalforum and its essential role as strategic web infrastructureConstellation RG
"Our current regulations around employee share options … need to change" #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
As Tony Faure says we need to encourage experimentation #pmdigitalforum – time to "#FLEARN"Gavin Heaton
Various grants are available to help support Australian startups – but many are just not aware of the support available.
Less than half of Australian startups have received a grant. Need more help here #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
Why would that be good? RT @servantofchaos: Less than half of Australian startups have received a grant. Need more help here #pmdigitalforumGlengyron
Bill Shorten discussed social media, suggesting that “empowered individuals” had not translated to the workplace.
RT @megabowman: RT @megabowman: Social media as empowered individuals but this hasn’t translated to workplaces – Bill Shorten #pmdigitalJosé M Villanueva
RT @yawcrc: RT @yawcrc: Technologies can enable marginalised and vulnerable young people’s participation in supportive online spaces #pmdigital http …Pantallas Sanas
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard began to close down the discussion – summarising the day’s proceedings and main themes – and bringing up the Governments “cyber whitepaper”.
Ha! "Cyber white paper" … that’s so last century #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumGavin Heaton
@JuliaGillard please note there is a cloud strategy for your government see: http://agimo.govspace.gov.au/2012/09/19/final-release-a-guide-to-implementing-cloud-services/ #pmdigital #gov2auCraigThomler
cloud computing is one of the major discussions #pmdigital a cyber white paper is being released soon. asian century of growth, security.Jeffrey Rufino
Confusion between the aims of the cyber whitepaper and the national digital economy strategy doesn’t seem to be resolved #pmdigitalReid Elliott
RT @craigthomler: RT @craigthomler: @JuliaGillard please note there is a cloud strategy for your government see: http://agimo.govspace.gov.au/2012/09/19/final-release-a-guide-to-implementing-cloud-services/ #pmdigital #gov2auJeffrey Rufino
Exactly my thought RT @craigthomler @JuliaGillard please note there is cloud strategy for your gov http://agimo.govspace.gov.au/2012/09/19/final-release-a-guide-to-implementing-cloud-services/ #pmdigital #gov2auPia Waugh
PM summing u 4 issues for follow-up: tech skills, telework education, cloud strategy & broad cyber/digital whitepaper #pmdigitalBrad Howarth
#pmdigital outcomes 1) PM is asking Chris Evans to meet with a breakout number from the #pmdigital attendees to talk. 2) telework importantPia Waugh
#pmdigital outcomes 2 cont’d) telework goals for Aus workforce. Second breakout group of attendees to meet with Secretaries on teleworkingPia Waugh
#pmdigital outcomes 3) cloud: need to spread what can mean for SMEs, Minister Conroy to bring ppl together to disc
uss it & create strategyPia Waugh
#pmdigital outcomes 4) Cyber Whitepaper soon to come and expanded to Digital Whitepaper. Also Asian Century of Growth whitepaper comingPia Waugh
#pmdigital outcomes 4 cont’d) they will get people in room to contribute to Digital Whitepaper too. Personal note: how about the rest of us?Pia Waugh
As the conversation wound down, many suggested that this should be the first step in an ongoing conversation – not the end of the story.
Tremendous discussions today at #pmdigital at UNSWCisco ANZ
Online privacy and safety hugely important but not on agenda at #pmdigital. Nice to talk about potential and positives for a little while!Young and Well CRC
Sounds like an interesting day at the Digital Forum today – thanks for all the tweets #pmdigitalJessica Fell
RT @DBCDEgov: RT @DBCDEgov: PM: we need to work together to seize opportunities – bring together the dreamers the doers and the dollars #pmdigitalBrendan Brooks
"We’ve got the best and the brightest". Actually, loads of expertise out here in digital land that could contribute to #pmdigital…Pia Waugh
Enjoyed following #pmdigital all afternoon – great complement to the webcast.clairemcfarland
.@DBCDEgov Hey guys, will there be a report or anything from today? Be great to collate perspectives and get some peer review :) #pmdigitalPia Waugh
RT @DBCDEgov: RT @DBCDEgov: Want to get involved in #telework? sign up for National Telework Week http://bit.ly/Ws4flf #pmdigital #NTWaudavidelliot
Talkfest at #pmdigital but where is the tweetstream… where are the online notes for each speaker, where is the real time voting +1…Richard Ferrers
RT @servantofchaos: RT @servantofchaos: POV: We don’t need a vision. We need some commitment and support for what’s already happening #pmdigital #pmdigitalforumJavier Gallego
Where next? How do we get involved? RT @craigthomler: What will be the outcomes of the #pmdigital forum?Gavin Heaton
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