Digital: State of the Nation

Digital: State of the Nation was developed to assess Australia’s position as a digital nation at a time of rapid technological acceleration and structural economic change. As digital technologies reshaped how Australians live, work, transact and connect, the report sought to provide a comprehensive evidence base on the country’s digital maturity and competitiveness.

The study was designed to look at digital transformation through the eyes of consumers, business and government, examining not just technology adoption, but the broader economic and social implications of digitisation. It benchmarks Australia’s global standing, evaluates the strength of its digital infrastructure, and explores the readiness of organisations and institutions to compete in an increasingly data-driven world.

A central theme of the report series was exploring the next phase of maturity for organisations, particularly aligning front-end customer experiences with back-end data, analytics and operations. Within this, the report also addressed the structural enablers of digital progress, including broadband infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, digital skills and regulatory settings. It highlights the importance of national competitiveness, particularly as Australia’s global ranking in digital readiness shows pressure relative to peer economies.

Coverage:

Coverage spanned a wide range of areas including:

  • Global Position: Digitisation and the economy, the digital divide, digital infrastructure, Innovation ecosystems

  • Digital lifestyle: Empowered consumers, Device usage, Smartphones, Wearables, Digital entertainment, Gaming, VR and AR, Internet of Things, Transport in a digital world

  • Digital spend: Digital device and service expenditure, E-Commerce, Digital payment and fintech, Fintech in Australia

  • Digital connection: Context of connection, Apps, Social media usage, Social media feedback, Communicating and connecting

  • Digital at work: Future of work, Next gen workforce, Contingent workforce, Employee mobility

  • Digital business: The power of one, Digital performance, Digital readiness assessment, Drivers of the digital experience, Data analytics and digital operations, The sharing economy, Participatory healthcare, Digital utilities

  • Digital government: The role of government, Digital service delivery, Data sharing, Digital policy and regulation, Cyber bullying

  • Cyber security and privacy: Security and privacy concerns, Enhanced authentication, Blockchain

Research Approach:

  • Extensive Quantitative Research: A representative survey of Australians (18–69 years) and 'digital opinion leaders' drawn from the commercial and government sectors.

  • Deep Dive Qualitative Research: A series of in-depth interviews with some of Australia’s top digital decision-makers and industry thinkers

  • Aggregate Research: Publicly available data from a diverse range of sources.

  • Subject Matter Experts: Insight from a wide range of EY digital professionals and thought leadership programs.