Investigating the empowerment of the Chief Digital Officer to cultivate digital innovation in the Australian Economy
Digitisation is an increasingly global trend with the potential to be positive or negative at addressing major developmental challenges, dependent on how it is managed. With the majority potential being managed by companies, the rise and success of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) in the Australian business landscape is critical to future digital initiatives, innovation, and the well-being of employees, individuals and the Australian economy.
Australia is currently ranked 76th for Innovation Efficiency in the Global Innovation Index 2018 rankings, primarily due to an inability to effectively commercialise innovation. For organisations embracing innovation in their business model, success is dependent on whether the digital transformation is embraced by the whole team. Senior management is key to this, and with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) having failed to deliver this change, the core responsibilities now lie with the CDO.
My research paper aims to understand the rise of the CDO in Australia and provide recommendations to foster their ability to commercialise innovation and develop Australian businesses and the economy. How CDOs fit within existing innovation policy, alongside developing a governance and support framework, is of particular focus. This is in line with The World Bank’s focus on promoting innovative capabilities, growth and productivity of firms to address major developmental challenges.
Watch this space for my final policy recommendations.
Road to Indonesia 