Building the Knowledge Society - Department of Communications ...

2 Building the Knowledge Society Information Society CommissionChairman’s ForewordThe emerging knowledge society presents a set of new imperatives for Government, and newchallenges and opportunities for society as a whole. With between 70 and 80 percent of economicgrowth now estimated to be due to new and better knowledge, our future prosperity is criticallydependant on policies that foster the continuous generation of knowledge and pursuit of learning.The global influence of information and communication technologies is transforming our economyand society. But these technologies do not produce new ideas. All knowledge and learning ultimatelydepends on people. Our approach must therefore be one that puts people at the centre.This report identifies three key challenges that Government must address in building thefoundations for future economic and social prosperity:• Developing broadband networking connectivity as a key 21st century infrastructure• Fostering a climate of innovation, building on world class research and an advanced scienceand technology base – including innovative public sector organisational and service deliveryarrangements• Investing in people and skills to promote a culture of lifelong learning, while realising thepotential of information and communication technologies to deliver new learning solutions.We have experienced a recent period of unprecedented economic success, including an increasein employment of over 54 percent between 1987 and 2001. But the conditions for continuedsuccess have changed. Government’s approach must be characterised by the resolve and agilityneeded to respond accordingly. In an increasingly networked and competitive global economy,there is absolutely no room for complacency.The overall message is straightforward: while we are making some progress, we are not doingwell enough. We must be alert to the real danger that our recent success has in fact made uscomplacent, and that we have not yet grasped the scale of the challenges and opportunitiespresented by the emergence of the global knowledge society.In the key area of broadband connectivity, we are losing ground on our leading competitors.Levels of investment in research and development are improving, but the gap to leadingcountries remains significant. We are lagging too in terms of participation in adult educationand training, and embracing the lifelong learning challenge.We have already demonstrated our capacity to be a world leader. However, it is clear that new levelsof commitment are needed if we are to develop and sustain a leadership position moving forward.This report is therefore a call to action.I would like to take the opportunity to thank the members of the Commission for theircontribution to date. A word of acknowledgement is due also to those who kindly agreedto serve on the Commission’s working groups, and to the Secretariat for their support.I look forward to the continued help and enthusiasm of all concerned in the months ahead.Dr Daniel O’Hare