Embracing disruption

Recent history has proven that business disruption via new technology can be rapid and unforgiving.

Even titans such as Apple, who disrupted the music industry with iTunes is now facing disruption from music streaming services. Meanwhile, start-ups and entrepreneurs around the world are dreaming of new ways to address old businesses; Uber and the taxi industry, AirBnB for hotels, even local examples such as Camplify for caravans and motorhomes.  And now we have crowd-funding for property development.

In his first statement after being elected Liberal leader, Australia’s next Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged Australians to embrace disruption.

He said his government would be “focused on ensuring that in the years ahead as the world becomes more and more competitive and greater opportunities arise, we are able to take advantage of that.”

Mr Turnbull’s Government will have their work cut out for them in the Hunter, where businesses are really lagging in the adoption of new technology. Almost 25 years after the arrival of the internet, only 57 per cent of Hunter companies have a dedicated website, while just 37 per cent of companies use social media to market their business, according to a recent survey conducted by the Hunter Research Foundation.

That is why “Digital Disruption and Transformation” is the theme for Newcastle’s DiG Festival 2015. To be held on 12 and 13 October at Newcastle City Hall, DiG Festival 2015 will feature leading experts from around the world and will provide attendees with a framework to thrive in the new economy. For more information on the program and to purchase tickets click here.