{"id":68933,"date":"2021-11-29T10:30:56","date_gmt":"2021-11-28T23:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/?p=68933"},"modified":"2021-11-29T10:03:25","modified_gmt":"2021-11-28T23:03:25","slug":"australia-needs-a-sovereign-ict-capability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/australia-needs-a-sovereign-ict-capability\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia needs a sovereign ICT capability"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/figure>\n

Information and communications technology, encompassing digital services and infrastructure, cybersecurity and software, is ubiquitous throughout the economy and society. As the digital transformation gathers pace, the number and complexity of ICT services is accelerating.<\/p>\n

The ubiquity of services in Australia is reflected in the divers federal ministerial responsibilities for policies and legislation setting the national direction of ICT\u2014our cyber and digital security and the ongoing development of our digital economy, including technological advancement.<\/p>\n

Consequently, our strategies, legislation, regulation and policy initiatives are being developed separately, with no overarching vision, resulting in point solutions and stove-piped policy development, implementation and governance.<\/p>\n

This is happening as Australia is dealing with ongoing challenges associated with the pandemic and increasing geostrategic competition in our region, escalating our need for critical technologies and more robust cybersecurity. These challenges are prompting a renewed emphasis on national sovereignty, with the goal of greater national resilience and self-reliance.<\/p>\n

Digital sovereignty means self-reliance where ICT, data and technology are concerned. Since ICT and technology fundamentally underpin every sector of our economy, it\u2019s not possible to think seriously about national resilience without considering digital sovereignty.<\/p>\n

As we plan for our post-pandemic economic recovery, it\u2019s time Australia had an overarching strategy for ICT capability that aligns all relevant legislation, policy, governance, capability and priorities into an integrated national plan. This is the only way we can ensure Australia has a safe and prosperous digital economy and digital society, that is cyber secure, resilient to supply-chain challenges and contributes to a more prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific region.<\/p>\n

We need this plan to address both social and economic threats, including cyberattacks, which are growing exponentially in number and seriousness, and opportunities that have the power to reshape our economy and society forever. These include the internet of things, quantum computing and 6G.<\/p>\n

Australia needs to address the national need for a sovereign ICT capability from which a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach to these threats and opportunities can be formulated. It will require a thorough assessment of our current and future capability requirements, a process that can be delivered through a sovereign ICT capability framework that would enable Australia to adopt an integration-by-design approach.<\/p>\n

A sovereign ICT capability framework would underpin the development and sustainability of Australia\u2019s digital and cybersecurity future. It would create new and expanded opportunities for Australian companies to provide ICT solutions to Australia and to export them to our near neighbours.<\/p>\n

That would, in turn, create sustainable ICT-focused employment pathways underpinned by a thriving local industry. This will allow Australia to deliver strategic capabilities by prioritising strategic requirements. National delivery plans could include:<\/p>\n