IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS
Overview
A number of interviews were conducted as part of the comprehensive ICT 2030 consultation program as an important early task in reviewing ICT activities and aspirations to the target year of 2030. The interviews were conducted by Eugene Kneebone as part of his role as a Community Engagement Officer with the University of Ballarat's School of Information Technology and Mathematical Science (ITMS).
The interviews were with both media representatives (four) and leading local elected representatives (four representing the three spheres of government). These were selected as acknowledged opinion makers and not necessarily 'expert' ICT practitioners or commentators.
It was felt important to inform these key individuals concerning the nature of this strategic review and outline its purpose/benefits that were expected to flow on to the community. Thus this part of this consultation process could be also described as 'marketing' ICT 2030.
An interview guide was prepared by the study team. This provided a consistent basis for the discussion and conversations followed this guide to a large extent. Interviews lasted between 30 minutes and one hour (with 45 minutes being most typical). They were carried out over a three week period commencing 18 October and concluding 2 November 2006. They were conducted at the offices of the respondent, or at adjacent premises. In all cases, an invitation was extended for a more detailed response (via the study website or via hard copy) if the parties wished to do so.
Participants
The following are the persons interviewed (in interview order):
- David Vendy, Mayor of the City of Ballarat;
- Dominic Brine, Station Manager, ABC Ballarat;
- Angela Carey, Editor The Courier;
- John Fitzgibbon. Sales Manager (and acting General Manager), 3BA 102.3FM
- Julian McGauran, Senator for Victoria (and 'Patron' Senator for Ballarat and region);
- Geoff Howard MLA, Member for Ballarat East;
- Catherine King MHR, Federal Member for Ballarat; and
- Michael Taylor; General Manager, WIN Television and another.
Outcomes
Emerging Themes
- The critical, positive perception of the University of Ballarat and UB's Technology Park as a essential icon to promote and develop Ballarat's ICT reputation and expertise.
- The need to improve on existing ICT infrastructure, especially broadband to many locations.
- The need to encourage and develop a wider cohort of ICT literate users, in both the business and domestic settings.
- The need to stay 'ahead of the ICT game', with the recognition that this review is crucial to that outcome.
- The impression that opinion makers (whilst supportive of an ICT agenda), do not possess a high degree of knowledge/opinion concerning likely technical advances in ICT technology and infrastructure except for a short term, narrow focus in their media domain or area of political concern.
Other Observations
The present revision to the ICT Strategy is seen as a useful/essential tool to 'keep ahead in the ICT game'. The consultation aspects of the consultancy also provide a very useful awareness raising to key stakeholders.
We (in Ballarat) are not so advanced in ICT leadership as those close to the industry might have hoped, but serendipitously UB's Technology Park (together with related teaching and research) provides a convenient platform on which to build.
State-of-art infrastructure provision is an ongoing challenge, that must be met to succeed in ICT leadership.
If the market-place does not result in an expanded take up rate of ICT applications - subsidies/special incentives will need to be considered.
The prospect of business relocation to this region is dependant on international standard ICT infrastructure and access (as well as a critical mass of like businesses).
There is little present support for widespread application for some eDemocracy initiatives being explored elsewhere, however the greater use of ICT in the delivery of government/council services is inevitable.
Distinctions between the nature of media organisations (television, radio, newspapers etc) will be largely unrecognisable in the study time horizon due to convergence, and technological advances.
The young (and ICT savvy) can be used as a useful vehicle to educate older cohorts.
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