Over the next three years, Cisco Systems is going to be spending AU$61 million for digital transformation efforts in Australia. The investment will go towards partnerships with public and private sector organizations and a focus on skills development. And the investment will be allocated under the company’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program.
Cisco said that this is a long-term partnership with “national leadership, industry, academia.” Cisco is expecting this initiative to help create jobs, support skills, and enhance global competitiveness.
“Technology has played a key role in boosting socio-economic growth across the world, however, more needs to be done in Australia to keep at the pace of other leading innovative nations,” said Cisco Australia and New Zealand vice president Ken Boal in a statement. “If we don’t invest equally, Australia will run the risk of losing its position near the top of international league tables. Cisco is ready and willing to help Australia keep its place at that top table.”
The CDA program in Australia is going to work with the government, industry, and community organizations to develop and fund projects across digital government, digital industry, digital small and midsize businesses (SMB), and national infrastructure initiatives, according to ZDNet.
Digital government is going to comprise programs for children in grades K-12 along with people in higher education, healthcare, infrastructure, and government agencies.
In terms of the digital industry, Cisco is going to develop cross-sector programs for Australian companies in industries like mining and agriculture to develop digital capabilities.
The digital small-to-medium business (SMB) programs will include investments in startups, entrepreneurs, and venture funds.
And the national infrastructure initiative will help organizations maximize the potential of new technologies available as a result of the National Broadband Network, 5G, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence.
“By partnering with government, academia and industry to co-innovate in the areas aligned to Australia’s strengths, we have the capability to accelerate change through these investments, leading to an increase in productivity, growth, and sustainable long term development, that ultimately improves the digital readiness of Australia,” added Boal.
