States launches digital economy survey

According to the States of Guernsey, digital economy refers to all areas of the economy where digital technology, infrastructure, services and data play a significant role

A survey has been launched for Guernsey organisations to feedback on the island's digital economy.

The survey, which went live this week, forms part of a study being carried out by PwC on behalf of the Committee for Economic Development.

The committee seeks to provide up-to-date accurate detail on the size, role and opportunities of the digital economy.

A spokesperson for the States of Guernsey said "digital economy" was a term that described "all areas of the economy where digital technology, infrastructure, services and data play a significant role".

They said the study would support the States' existing digital framework to enable Guernsey's involvement in international trade agreements.

'Technology is central'

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, digital lead for the Committee for Economic Development, said: "We need to understand that bigger picture, where government needs to be delivering, and the opportunities for making sure we're as competitive as possible.

"The role of technology is central to our working lives and it is only getting bigger, at a faster rate.

"Technologies that are in their infancy now are likely to become mainstays in ways that may not be immediately obvious.

"We should be looking forward and anticipating the impact they will have so we are prepared and can make the most of them for our own economy."

The States' spokesperson said PwC had been commissioned following a "competitive tender process" because of their expertise in analysing digital economies elsewhere.

Nick Vermeulen, PwC Channel Islands senior partner, said: "This study will help understand where our digital economy is now, where it could and should be, and how we can get there."