Digital Literacy Productivity Gain Valued $1.7 b

Digital Literacy Productivity Gain Valued at $1.7 Billion Per Year

A research report released today by the New Zealand Computer Society Inc (NZCS) found that tackling digital literacy and core computing skills formally, via en masse implementation of a digital literacy standard, would increase New Zealand’s productivity by $1.7 Billion per year.

The report, completed by research consultants KnowledgeWeaversNZ on behalf of the Society, analysed the findings of research conducted throughout the world then applied the result to New Zealand’s environment to find the expected outcome of implementing similar programmes en masse in New Zealand.

“The research analysed the findings of Digital Literacy-based research and case studies from around the world and found a number of common themes”, NZCS Chief Executive Paul Matthews said today. “The report focused on both the economic benefit to the country and companies of digital literacy via formal digital literacy standards, as well as the life-changing effect digital literacy has on disadvantaged and marginalised groups”.

“In terms of improved productivity, the report conservatively projects average savings per worker in New Zealand of $1820 per annum as a direct result of improved ICT skills and confidence after implementing a digital literacy standard. Projected across 70% of the country’s working population, this results in a net productivity improvement across New Zealand of $1.7 billion per year,” Matthews said.

“It was interesting to find that there was also a gain in productivity amongst those very familiar with the use of computers working through a formal programme such as the International Computer Driving License”, Matthews continued. “It’s a case of people not knowing what they don’t know – the gaps in knowledge and skills, large and small, making a clear difference to workplace and community productivity”.

“This research is groundbreaking”, Matthews said. “Not just because of the size of the productivity gap digital literacy can fill, but the clear line drawn between actual results achieved in various studies around the world and what is achievable in New Zealand. This isn’t pie in the sky stuff – this is real results and a real outcome to move New Zealand forward”.

The research also supported the Society’s view that the International Computer Driving License, or ICDL, was the most appropriate digital literacy standard for use en masse in New Zealand. “ICDL is used in 148 countries around the world and with over 9 million participants has helped more people than every other recognised international literacy standard programme combined”, Matthews said.

The Society, as a registered Charitable organisation, supports all digital literacy programmes and efforts but endorses and oversees the ICDL programme in New Zealand on behalf of the ECDL Foundation, a global non-profit organisation focusing on lifting digital skills around the world.

The report also investigated the effect of digital literacy on marginalised and disadvantaged groups and concluded that digital literacy is now an essential life skill and the right of every NZ citizen. The ability to utilise technology greatly increases marginalised groups’ ability to participate.

A copy of the full report can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/diglit

ENDS

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