The Challenge

Over the next 8 years, the National Broadband Network (NBN) will deliver superfast broadband to Australian homes and workplaces. 

It will affect the future of Australia for several decades, and it will have far reaching impacts on community life and the sustainable and profitable future of South Australians.

South Australia must be prepared and well positioned to maximise the benefits of super fast connectivity to the world that the NBN offers by ensuring that its people are highly digitally literate and producers as well as consumers of content, applications and services sought after by the rest of the world.

Dr. Genevieve Bell’s residency focused on identifying a set of strategic directions and opportunities for all South Australians with regard to new digital technologies.

During her residency Dr Bell travelled extensively throughout the state, from the Coorong to Andamooka and Roxby Downs. Genevieve engaged with 45 rural, Indigenous, urban and metropolitan communities, building a detailed picture of what it is South Australians need, want - and don’t want - from technology, and identifying both opportunities and barriers to the wider adoption of digital technologies.

Genevieve provided advice on effective engagement with technology, on the use of technology and digital literacy in education, citizenship and training, and for the development of a robust digital economy.

Genevieve Bell was in residence in November 2008, January to March, June to July 2009.