A new training program is launched by the Australian Government, strengthening the country’s position as a leading digital economy by lifting the digital literacy of company directors. 

The new training program, which is known as the Digital Directors Training Program, will be delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). The program comprises ten online modules that will cover topics such as digital investment strategy, digital transformation and modern competitive business practices. 

The Digital Directors Training Program is part of a broader $22 million digital business package. Aside from the program, the package also includes additional support for small businesses through an expansion of the Australian Small Business Advisory Service’s Digital Solutions program. 

A 2019 study by the AICD found that just 3 per cent of board directors had a digital background. With this in mind, the Australian Government hopes to increase the figure significantly in light of the Digital Government Strategy.

With the pandemic accelerating digitisation across the economy, Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said that the country needs to have digitally-skilled business leaders at the helm in order to cement the digital improvements.

“As a graduate of the AICD, I want to see more Australian businesses investing in technology so they can increase their competitiveness and productivity, increase connectedness with consumers and create new jobs in high-value areas,” she said. 

Meanwhile, AICD’s Managing Director and CEO Angus Armour said that every director had a responsibility to educate themselves on innovation, technology and disruption.  

“Our research shows that directors recognise the need to increase their skills in this area, and this applies equally to the directors of small companies and charities as it does to the directors of our largest listed companies,” he said. 

“This training program will help more directors understand technology’s impact on their business, how it can drive their competitiveness and generate new growth opportunities.”   

The AICD will share content with peak industry bodies such as the Business Council of Australia (BCA) in order to maximise the training program’s reach.

BCA CEO Jennifer Westacott said a new training package to lift the digital capabilities of local business leaders will be critical to modernising our economy and will make us more resilient to cyber risks.  

“Having the right skills at all levels will mean businesses can keep creating new jobs and services for Australians,” she said. 

Source: Minister for Science and Technology Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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