Ditch Queensland’s Digital Divide
For a business to be successful into the future, they need to be able to compete in an increasingly digital economy, but that’s a challenge for many small Queensland businesses said the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).
Despite recognising the importance of digital technology, a survey of Queensland businesses found that;
- Six out of ten businesses do not have a digital plan;
- Half of the respondents spend less than 5 per cent of their annual budget on IT;
- 44 per cent stated lacking digital skills within their business; and
- Forty-eight per cent highlighted internet connection reliability as an inhibitor to their digital adaption and business growth.
CCIQ’s policy advisor Luisa Baucia said for Queensland business to advance with an increasingly digital economy, there needs to be more done to improving digital capacity.
“We know from COVID that businesses who were digitally savvy were able to adapt better than their competitors, but it’s not a level playing field,” Ms Baucia said.
“We have areas in Queensland that don’t have a reliable internet connection, and that’s an automatic barrier for a business.
“An Auspost report, predicts that by the end of 2020, online spending will account for 15 per cent of the total retail market share in Australia.
“But regional businesses could be missing out on this growing market because the internet capability is not consistent. We need to see high-speed internet prioritised for regional Queensland.
“Beyond having access to the internet, many businesses are overwhelmed and confused with what technology is the best for them, and what is available.
“Smaller businesses have smaller teams without dedicated IT support, leading to the 35 per cent of SMEs believe digital technologies unfairly favour corporations.
“As for SMEs, there’s a lot of time and often a lot of money spent on trying to keep up with digital technology, without knowing what’s best, as there is not a lot of support from the government to facilitate best practice.
“For Queensland to power-up, we need our regions to be firing. And we need them to given a levelled out playing field that will bolster and enable their success.
“That will come from access to reliable, high-speed internet and from appropriate access to training, resources and incentives to help adapt to digital adoption,” Ms Buscia said.
Throughout this election, CCIQ is calling on all political parties to commit to election priorities that will enable businesses to be viable now and into the future. Business viability starts with business-friendly governments that make it easy to employ, invest, and scale to grow.
Small Business is a BIG deal, and they hold the key to rebuilding and growing Queensland’s economy. CCIQ’s is calling on political parties to show their commitment to doing business with business and commit to CCIQ’s election priorities.
Full details on CCIQ’s Election Priorities can be found at: https://businesschamberqld.com.au/business-voice/2020-state-election/
View CCIQ's full 'Digital Readiness Report' here.
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