The future is digital and, as the digital space becomes an integrated part of modern life, the opportunities for digital economy businesses in the Northern Rivers continue to grow.
Improvements to regional internet speeds are breaking down geographical barriers to regional work and lifestyle choices. Digital professionals need only a fast internet connection to gain market share. This allows for lifestyle options that include beach, forest and rural living, which have long served as an attraction for film and media professionals.
It is a key priority for the Northern Rivers region to take advantage of opportunities that have arisen from the rapid growth in new technology across industries. Many traditional industries that have underpinned the local economy, including agri-business, manufacturing and the service sector, are undergoing significant technological transformation. Interpreting these changes into a regional context and distribution of knowledge, practices and technologies are critical to ensure local industries remain competitive, nationally and globally. Increasing the value-adding to these industries is a high priority.
Digital Economy Reports and Strategies
Through various projects, RDA Northern Rivers has supported our region’s transition into a “gig economy”.
In November 2013, RDA Northern Rivers released the Northern Rivers Digital Economy Strategy, which detailed evidence, discussion, illustrations, case studies and recommendations to support the Northern Rivers transition into the digital economy. The Digital Activation Plan was released in May 2016. The plan identified short, medium and longer term actions to support the Northern Rivers into a digital future. Improving regional internet speeds was a key priority of this plan. RDA Northern Rivers maintains a strong relationship with NBN Co. and continues to support their programs to deliver faster internet speeds for our region’s business and wider community.
In November 2017, the RDA Northern Rivers commissioned pre-feasibility study, Digital Content Production as a Driver of Economic Development in the Northern Rivers Region was released. Digital content production includes software development, special effects, game production, film and television production, cyber security and creation of digital learning objects.
The entrepreneurial nature of our region and the digital content industry provides an ideal environment for collaboration. The benefits for emerging and existing digital businesses to be closely located were identified in the report.
You can download RDA Northern Rivers digital economy reports and strategies below.
