A decade of digital leadership
ACS Digital Pulse is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, offering unparalleled insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the nation’s digital economy.
For the past decade, it has been the go-to resource for policymakers, business leaders, innovators and educators, delivering data-driven analysis that drives informed decisions and fosters growth in the technology sector.
On the eve of the National launch of ACS Digital Pulse 2024, we look back at a decade of digital leadership and highlight the trends that have shaped today’s tech sector.
Five trends from a decade of digital leadership
Rising demand for digital skills
ACS Digital Pulse has recorded the rising demand for highly skilled technology professionals in Australia. From 2014 to 2024, the number of tech workers has increased from approximately 600,000 to over one million, reflecting the growing need for digital expertise.
The rapid advancement of AI has been a key driver of this demand, creating both opportunities and challenges. While AI continues to reshape industries, the shortage of skilled talent to develop, deploy, and manage AI systems effectively is becoming a critical issue. Expanding the tech workforce is essential to leverage AI's potential and ensure Australia remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Cybersecurity concerns and the need for cyber experts
Australia's cybersecurity landscape faces growing challenges. With cyber threats escalating in complexity and frequency, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. ACS Digital Pulse indicates a demand for approximately 20,000 cybersecurity experts, double the current workforce, without which Australia is vulnerable to potential attacks.
Cybersecurity incidents cost the Australian economy billions annually, and this gap in expertise is a critical concern. Expanding the talent pool through targeted education and training programs is essential to safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure and ensuring resilience against evolving cyber threats. Addressing this talent shortage is crucial for Australia's future security.
Gender disparity and a lack of diversity
Over the past decade, Australia's tech sector has struggled to improve gender diversity, as highlighted by ACS Digital Pulse. Despite numerous initiatives to boost female participation, the proportion of women in the tech workforce has remained stagnant at around 29%, reflecting minimal progress.
Beyond gender, the representation of First Nations Australians and people with disability remains below the national average, which stifles the sector's potential for true innovation. Greater diversity is crucial for expanding the tech talent pipeline, as a more inclusive environment can attract a wider range of individuals. The past ten years have emphasised the need for targeted actions to foster inclusivity and address the sector's talent shortages.
Migration and its positive impact
Migration strengthens Australia’s technology workforce, with the share of tech workers born overseas reaching 49%. This diversity is higher than the national average and enriches the tech sector, providing greater diversity, innovation and productivity – 85% of Australian employers report their international workers are as productive or more productive than the rest of the workforce*.
However, challenges remain, such as pay gaps, discrimination and underutilisation. Addressing these barriers through programs like the ACS Professional Year in IT is essential to retaining skilled migrants and fostering an inclusive tech environment.
Engaging the next generation of tech talent
ACS Digital Pulse highlights the critical role of education and STEM in expanding Australia's tech workforce. Despite technology being highly recommended by parents as a career option, only one in ten school-aged students express interest, with boys four times more likely than girls. Parents play a significant role in career decisions, but many lack the knowledge to confidently guide their children into tech. Improving access to information about tech careers could help address this gap. Efforts to shift perceptions, particularly around gender stereotypes, and early exposure to tech opportunities are essential to inspire future generations into tech careers.
Tech’s roadmap to 2030
ACS Digital Pulse is a crucial resource for understanding Australia's technology sector, offering insights into the trends and challenges shaping the digital economy. For over a decade, it has provided data-driven analysis that supports informed decision-making across businesses, government, and the education sector. The report serves as a guide for expanding the tech workforce, addressing talent shortages, and fostering inclusivity within the industry. By highlighting key opportunities and issues, ACS Digital Pulse plays a vital role in helping stakeholders develop strategies to drive growth, strengthen the tech ecosystem, and prepare future generations for success in an increasingly digital world.
Digital Pulse 2024 is being released on 22 October 2024. Reserve your copy today.
References
*Billion Dollar Benefit, Welcoming Tech Talent, an employer guide to recruiting and retaining skilled migrants and refugees.