The International Institute for Software Economics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Inc. (IISEIE) and NZICT Group form the ICT Research Forum.

The ICT Research Forum (the Forum) will focus on bringing together industry, academia and government research communities to conduct research and make recommendations on the development and growth of the local software economy. Research in ICT will assist with job production and drive economic growth in New Zealand.

The Forum will provide an opportunity for IISEIE, NZICT Group members and the broader research community to undertake research into economic activity generated through the creation and development of information and communication technology (ICT) industries with an emphasis on local software economies.

Using this research, Forum members will recommend best industry practices, including policy and programmes, in an effort to support the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s local software and digital economy.

IISEIE CEO Malcolm Fraser said that the forum will produce outcomes that will lead to growth within the local economy by creating a vibrant and sustainable software industry.

“Based on the research and benchmarking outputs, the forum will recommend various programmess that are designed to identify and support exporting opportunities as well as addressing issues in the local market such as skilled training, demand generation and collaboration across all relevant parties in the ICT industry.”

NZICT CEO Brett O’Riley noted that there is a great need for joint research between the ICT industry, Government and academia.

“With the formation of the Forum and a high level of collaboration across a number of parties, New Zealand will benefit from knowing where we are and where we need to be as we enter the decade of digital technology.”

Anyone interested or involved in ICT research is welcome to attend the official launch of the New Zealand ICT Research Forum on January 28th at Microsoft’s conference facilities in Auckland hosted by the Auckland ICT. For more information on the event visit the Auckland ICT website. 

A Wellington event will be held mid February.