New kit to deliver better tech policy

The Australian National University’s Tech Policy Design Centre (TPDC) is set to develop a Tech Policy Design Kit, in collaboration with the Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and the Digital Technology Taskforce in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC).  

The Design Kit will establish a baseline for best practice tech policy design. It will comprise tech policy design principles and processes, as well as modules for government, industry and civil society. 

Kate Pounder, CEO of the TCA, said this project epitomised TCA’s pledge to work collaboratively with governments, businesses and the community to develop regulatory frameworks and policies that enable the safe and effective introduction of new products and services, and support growth, investment and jobs. 

Head of the Digital Technology Taskforce, Michelle Dowdell, said the project was an example of how the government is building partnerships to support the Digital Economy Strategy.

“Modern regulatory settings are a key foundation of the Strategy and are crucial to achieving the vision of Australia being a top 10 digital economy and society by 2030,” Ms Dowdell said.

Johanna Weaver, Director of the TPDC, said the decisions made about tech policy today, will shape the world we live in tomorrow.  

“Given the consequentiality, we urgently need to mature the way we design tech policy in Australia. TPDC is delighted to partner with PMC and TCA, as a tangible demonstration of our joint commitment towards this objective,” Associate Professor Weaver said.

The Tech Policy Design Kit will be developed in consultation with government, industry and civil society. The first module will be released in the coming months. 

The Tech Council of Australia is the trusted voice of the Australian technology industry. Its vision is for a prosperous Australia that thrives by harnessing the power of technology. 

The Digital Technology Taskforce, in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is supporting the further development and implementation of Australia’s Digital Economy Strategy 2030. For further information about the Digital Economy Strategy see http://digitaleconomy.pmc.gov.au.

The Tech Policy Design Centre is an ANU strategic initiative. Its mission is to support the development of fit-for-purpose tech policy frameworks to shape technology for the long-term benefit of humanity.

For more information, or to get involved in the Design Kit development, please email: techpolicydesign@anu.edu.au