Treasurer Scott Morrison says “intimidating” tech sector image alienates general public: Four ecosystem players weigh in

The Australian tech sector needs to better communicate the benefits of startups and new technology to the wider population if it is to thrive in the future, Treasurer Scott Morrison told an audience of tech professionals yesterday.

The comments were delivered in an address to the Australian Computer Society in Sydney, and while Morrison assured audiences “it is still the most exciting time to be in Australia”, he warned that future growth and change in the “digital economy” will be hindered if the tech sector doesn’t get better at engaging the public and celebrating its wins.

“We know that this whole area, while it contains enormous opportunities, can also be incredibly intimidating to people,” Morrison said of Australia’s growing tech sector.

“It’s often very hard for them to understand the real changes and improvements in living standards that it can deliver for them and how, when it’s harnessed for their purpose and their benefit, there are big changes that can be made.”

Morrison stressed the need for startups and tech players to communicate to the public why advances in their sector help the economy and contribute to Australia’s future, something he believes is currently left wanting. Read more

Angela Castles - Smart Company - 29 Sep 2017