The Digital Future Initiative was launched recently by the Australian Prime Minister, the CEO of an American multinational technology company as well as the tech company’s Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, CSIRO Chief Executive and Chargé d’Affaires from the US Embassy at the opening of the tech giant’s expanded Sydney office.
The initiative builds on the company’s existing work in Australia over the last two decades by investing in:
- The foundations of the digital economy including a major investment in digital infrastructure
- Australian-made technology and talent with a first-ever Australian Google Research Hub
- Partnerships to solve big challenges including a collaboration with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO
The Digital Future Initiative aims to help accelerate the country’s progress to becoming a leading digital economy as well as bring significant technology resources and capabilities to Australia, invest in the infrastructure that benefits people and businesses, and help the best talent thrive in the country.
Analysis by a leading economist found that the tech giant’s Digital Future Initiative will support 6,529 new direct jobs and 28,057 total jobs across Australia and deliver $1.259 billion in direct investment and $6.716 billion in total economic impact.
The foundations of the digital economy
Digital infrastructure is a major driver of Australian productivity, and under this initiative, a significant investment is being made in cloud infrastructure to help build a digital-first future. This will provide Australian businesses with a secure and robust platform for business transformation, faster innovation and growth. Customers are already benefiting from the expansion of our cloud regions, to respond to ever-changing customer needs, quickly and efficiently.
Australian-made technology and talent
The tech giant has launched its first-ever research centre in Australia. Partnering with the research community across the country and research hubs around the world, the company is working to build a team of local researchers and engineers to explore ways AI can help tackle issues that are important in Australia – and around the world.
Partnerships to solve big challenges
Through this initiative, collaborations across Australia are being expanded, starting with a multi-million research partnership with the CSIRO to bring forward solutions to challenges, like natural hazard management, energy and protecting the health of our unique Great Barrier Reef.
In addition, in a partnership with Macquarie University, the company’s investment in quantum computing in Australia is being deepened. This work to advance quantum computing has broad future implications – such as improving batteries and producing fertilizer more efficiently.
While the problems that are being worked on are of global significance, this investment will ensure that we contribute to Australia’s ongoing leadership in quantum computing research.
The CEO of the tech giant stated that Australia can help lead the world’s next wave of innovation, harnessing technology to improve lives, create jobs, and make progress on shared challenges. To help, the company has made a five year, $1 billion commitment to launch the Digital Future Initiative and help bring the benefits of technology to more Australians.
The Managing Director of the Australia & New Zealand branch of the company noted that with the Digital Future Initiative, the company’s has made its largest single investment ever in Australia, aiming to strengthen local capabilities and help build Australia’s digital economy for the future.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of CSIRO noted that the agency solves Australia’s greatest challenges through innovative science and technology, but its partnerships with industry are what makes those solutions real – because when industry innovates Australia grows.
CSIRO’s science makes life better for every Australian, and when amplified by the company’s technology, it will catalyse collaborative projects across our entire national innovation system, driving opportunities for businesses of all sizes across every market.
