The Australian economy is not particularly innovative and the government could do more to encourage the use of information and communications technology, a global report says.
Australia has moved up two places to 16th in the latest global rankings of digital competitiveness, just ahead of New Zealand.
The World Economic Forum report says while Australia has very high levels of ICT usage and achieved excellent grades in terms of online services offerings and e-participation tools, the government could do more to encourage the use of ICTs.
"The economy is largely dependent on commodity exports and is not particularly innovative," it says.
"In order to develop this capacity for innovation, diversify the economy, and build resilience, the government and businesses should embrace ICTs even more enthusiastically."
Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox noted Australia ranked 9th in 2004.
"Australia should have a firm aim to regain our top-10 standing by 2020 by accelerating the development of our digital capabilities as part of the general overall emphasis we need to place on lifting productivity and competitiveness," he said.
WHERE AUSTRALIA RANKS ON DIGITAL COMPETITIVENESS:
* 16th overall (18th last year)
* No lower than 28th in each of 10 networked readiness index pillars
* In top 10 of one pillar (infrastructure)
* 4th highest penetration rate of 3G or above mobile phone subscriptions
* ICT uptake by businesses more limited (25th)
* Singapore tops overall ranking
* Seven European economies in top 10
* New Zealand 17th (20th last year)
Source: The Global Information Technology Report 2015, from World Economic Forum and INSEAD.
