ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
This is a true end-to-end program that has engaged
all members of their society, cradle to grave. From
healthcare, transport, education, environment, aged
care, opening a business, employing people, water
and power security, the vision is one that everyone
understands and gains value from.
Smart Nation Singapore gives clarity to the future
for all generations. It guides the strong collaboration
of government services, enables business growth,
embraces change and looks after its people.
Everyone feels part of the need to do things better
with data, from how a meal is paid to how the
government service is provided.
GETTING TO SMART IN AUSTRALIA –
BEYOND THE POLITICS
Australia must refresh and reframe its current smart
agenda – it needs clarity that can transcend pet
political projects and ideology. Right now, we need a
clear vision of how Australia is going to be smart as
a nation.
That vision needs to be enduring and flow through
all aspects of the economy, in all parts of Australia; it
needs to empower all levels of government beyond
the political cycle. It needs to create genuine public
value and not a sugar hit of a grant program that the
next political cycle will change.
It may be easy to scoff at my very own utopia vision
for Australia, but what’s the alternative? Those
economies that surround us are growing in capability
by embracing the fourth industrial revolution. Their
levels of productivity and innovation are leaving
Australia behind. To be lucky, we need a vision; we
need to define our own smart nation.
REFERENCES
[1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the–fourth–industrial–
revolution–what–it–means–and–how–torespond/
[2] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the–fourth–industrial–
revolution–what–it–means–and–how–torespond/
[3] https://cities.infrastructure.gov.au/
[4] https://www.smartnation.sg/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Glentworth is the founder and chair
of information and data management firm
GWI, and most recently developed
Democracy Intelligence, a data-driven
service that understands the political,
social and economic activities in a given
geographical region.
He is passionate about productivity at a macro level and
is an active advocate of economic growth and the creation
of public and shareholder value. Neil is known for his no-
nonsense advice with a focus on practical ways to leverage
data for social and economic benefit.
Working alongside all levels of government, Neil has
focused on driving smart city and community strategies
at the local government level, helping to grow Australia’s
regional economies from the outback to the coast.
VOL.11 NO.2 2018 | 28