28 March 2012
A new independent organisation - Digital Jersey - is being set up to represent and promote Jersey’s digital industries. Providing high quality jobs for local people is an important element of the Council of Ministers’ draft Strategic Plan and this new body will support efforts to provide work for Islanders in an expanded digital economy.
Digital industries incorporate areas like e-gaming, e-commerce, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services and the development of the Island’s Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, all of which can exploit Jersey’s new Intellectual Property legislation.
The new body, which in time could be part-funded by the private sector, will promote the Island externally as a digital centre of excellence. With a key focus on education, skills and the development of new products and services tailored to the demands of digital businesses, Digital Jersey will enable growth.
Digital Jersey’s aims to position the Island as the jurisdiction of choice for companies looking to develop in the digital economy. It will define strategy, prioritise areas that create employment and work with government to aid understanding and promote legislative and other necessary changes.
Digital Jersey aims to ensure:
- the Island develops and attracts digital businesses
- the digital sector provides sustainable high value employment
- that digital business makes a substantial contribution to the Island’s diversification strategy
The new body has been established with an initial budget of £300,000 for 2012. Its set-up costs have been met by the Treasury and Resources Minister through the allocation of £150,000 from year-end underspends, together with £150,000 from the Economic Development Department. The Economic Development Department’s draft submission to the 2013-2015 Medium Term Financial Plan includes an allocation of ongoing funding for Digital Jersey.
The Minister for Economic Development, Senator Alan Maclean, said “The digital economy represents the most significant economic growth and job creation opportunity of recent times. It is a highly competitive market place where world-class digital infrastructure delivered at globally competitive cost is the key to success.
“With these attributes in place, Digital Jersey will be able to secure the maximum benefit from this opportunity. In doing so, it will help diversify the economy and deliver on our major priorities in the months and years to come, the creation of high-value jobs.”
The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Philip Ozouf, said, “I am very pleased that we are able to allocate funding to support the development of Digital Jersey. This sort of investment is an essential part of our 3 part plan to secure Jersey’s economic future.”
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