Business working smarter with ICT

Better use of ICT is important for businesses in a country like New Zealand, where we already work long hours and have low unemployment. ICT drives productivity and innovation, allowing us to work smarter, faster and in many cases more cheaply. The adoption of new technologies has led to efficiencies in existing business practices and the creation of new areas of business.

New Zealand also has a strong and growing ICT sector and has many strengths in the creative industries. For more vist the Growing the ICT Sector page.

Large businesses are already aware of the benefits of investing in ICT, but small businesses often struggle with ICT and as a nation of small businesses addressing some of the small business ICT concerns is likely to have a significant impact on our economic growth. The use of ICTs isn't limited to the city as many rural businesses can and are benefiting from ICT being used to enhance the way they work.

Already there are automatic milking systems being trialled that are smart enough to alert the farmer via cellphone if the robotic system isn't functioning properly and they also allow the farmer to collect more information on individual stock - all electronically. See www.biotechlearn.org.nz/

www.biz.org.nz is New Zealand's business portal designed to make it easier to run your businessby providing access to a number of resources designed to help manage and grow your business.

In the Digital Strategy we set out New Zealand's goal for developing the Business area:

Goal: To enhance the contribution ICT makes to New Zealands overall business productivity.

You can access the Business section of the Digital Strategy publication here
æ Business Section

Action

The Government is currently developing a range of inter-related initiatives that are contributing to the Business goal of the Digital Strategy. These initiatives work closely with the developments in the other areas of the Digital Strategy.

ICT is driving productivity improvements throughout our economy. To see some examples of this in action visit www.istart.co.nz - iStart is an independent research website showcasing technologies and case studies of how businesses are benefiting from developments in technology.