QUT will be at the forefront of shaping the digital transformation in Queensland with the appointment of an Australian-first Chair in Digital Economy.
The PwC Chair in Digital Economy, sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers and with partners Brisbane Marketing and the Queensland Government, will explore new opportunities for the re-shaping of key industries, research and learning in the face of unprecedented digital disruption.
QUT is seeking applicants for the position, which will focus on building a digital mindset in graduates across the university, as well as engaging with industry and government.
A joint appointment between the QUT Business School and Science and Engineering Faculty, the position will be dedicated to research, innovation and expanding the understanding and progression of digital capabilities.
"The rapid development of the digital economy has the potential to have as big an impact on our work and society as the industrial revolution," Professor Rowena Barrett, head of the QUT School of Management, said.
"We are in a period of profound change and the Chair will play a key role in researching how new technologies can best be harnessed to take full advantage of the opportunities in the new economy."
Professor Michael Rosemann, head of the QUT School of Information Systems, said the Chair would have a research and advocacy role focused on industry engagement, policy development and thought leadership.
"We are looking for professors who can investigate and research the digital economy, educate industry and students about it, facilitate participation in it and stimulate its growth," he said.
"We need someone who will academically and strategically lead the development and application of research-informed policies and the design of a curriculum that benefits the emerging generation of talent."
Luke Sayers, CEO of PwC Australia, said digital technology would be "absolutely fundamental to Australia's prosperity in the years ahead".
"Our own PwC research shows innovation and digital technologies together have the potential to increase Australia's productivity and raise GDP by 3.5% and $136 billion over the next 20 years," he said.
"In order to make the most of this opportunity we need students and researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For this reason we are delighted to be able to partner with innovative organisations like QUT in working towards securing Australia's future."
The Chair will officially be launched next month (APRIL).
For more information or to apply visit http://www.chairdigitaleconomy.com.au/ or go to the QUT job vacancies page. Applications close on 29 March.
Media contact:
Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
