Why Canberra could be the next hub for a tech boom

Publication: Canberra Times August 18, 2025

Reporter: Lucy Arundell

Canberra could become a world leader in digital transformations, a local CEO says, as an industry expert warns the public service must adapt to new technology to survive.

Advances in AI, automation, and new digital systems will change the way business and society operate, and Canberra could be at the forefront, the CEO of xAmplify, a Canberra digital transformation company, says.

However, ANU researcher Priya Muthukannan has warned that industry and government must invest in infrastructure and education to help businesses keep up with technological change, or risk being left behind by international innovation.

xAmplify chief executive Wayne Gowland said Canberra was emerging as a national hub for digital transformation, particularly with its government departments.

“When you look at the government sector as a whole, proximity to decision ed tools and they’re able to makers, access to talent, you’re not meeting up with system that I’ve seen grow over the last 10 years in particular,” he said. “[But] I don’t envy the job of the CIOs and government agencies … the demand for citizen services, the demand in terms of the ability to access those services in real time, online, 24/7, continues to increase.”

Read full article at https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9039841/canberra-could-lead-australias-digital-revolution-tech-ceo-says/