RMIT: Melbourne needs digital infrastructure and skills

RMIT has released a road map to support the regeneration and reinvention of Melbourne, which includes establishing the world’s first Digital Cities Research Centre.

Following a series of reports as part of the Digital CBD Project, the road map sets out 10 recommendations implemented across five years designed to enable the city’s prosperous future and digital transformation.

According to Dr Alexia Maddox from the RMIT Digital CBD Project, a key factor in reinvigorating the city is creating digital experiences that are inclusive, engaging and rewarding for people who visit, live and work in the city and businesses that invest in the city.

“Our research has uncovered a clear pathway that could set the scene for cities across the world to not only become digital, but improve data utilisation, connect communities and engage people in the city centre,” Maddox said.

At the top of the recommendations is the research centre, which Maddox says will ensure digital innovation continues to be developed and trialled, positioning Melbourne as a leader in digital city implementation.

“The centre would provide research outcomes, undertake global digital benchmarking, and collaborate with — and advocate on behalf of — industry bodies, stakeholders and the digital community.”

The focus on enabling industry and individuals to participate in the digital economy is a key theme of the roadmap. Recommendations also include a digital skills academy for industry, education and government and a range of initiatives to incentivise migrants to live and work in Victoria.

Sustainable implementation of growing digital infrastructure is also highlighted, with recommendations to introduce green legislation and build sustainable data centres using digital technologies that manage distributed energy sources and enhance energy use management.

“The key to Melbourne’s status as a fully global digital city is merging our physical and digital experiences into a central built environment that leverages Web3 technologies,” Maddox said.

“A digital environment is only as good as the infrastructures and the skills of the people who use it, so ensuring that a good secure framework is in place is essential.”

The Digital CBD Roadmap and reports are available for download from the Digital CBD Project website here.

Image credit: iStock.com/FrankRamspott