Cisco to invest $61m to speed Australia's digitisation

Cisco has announced plans to invest $61 million over the next three years towards driving Australia’s digital transformation.

The Australian iteration of Cisco’s global Country Digital Acceleration program will involve forging multiple partnerships with public and private sector organisations on projects aimed at improving the nation’s digital readiness.

Through the program, Cisco will seek to develop and fund projects across four key areas — digital government, digital industry, digital SMB programs and national infrastructure development.

Projects will seek to improve the digital skills of Australia’s future workforce, help vertical industries develop digital capabilities that can contribute to growth in Australia’s GDP and help create the jobs of the future.

Cisco will pursue collaborations with higher education providers, start-ups, enterprises in targeted industry verticals and selected government agencies.

Cisco has already invested in projects to promote STEM skills across Australia and help students and young professionals pursue a career in the industry.

“Technology has played a key role in boosting socioeconomic growth across the world; however, more needs to be done in Australia to keep at the pace of other leading innovative nations. If we don’t invest equally, Australia will run the risk of losing its position near the top of international league tables,” Cisco Australia and New Zealand Vice President Ken Boal said.

“Cisco is ready and willing to help Australia keep its place at that top table. 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.”

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