We did a small survey on innovation that is 'good for the world' and New Zealand. We learned some super exciting insights and wanted to share them. Scroll down to see some of our most interesting highlights.
Why a survey?
Aera Foundation is a charitable trust that looks for imaginative ways to tackle social issues in New Zealand. These surveys help inform foundation strategies. Findings are shared with others to raise awareness of insightful views and voices.
Who took part?
We invited almost 4000 people in New Zealand who self identified as working in 'innovation' to take part. The survey ran from May 8 to June 12 and 505 people responded. Almost half work in technology, government, finance or education.
What did we ask?
Ten questions covering the digital divide in our society; tech trends perceived to be impacting our lives and work; and views around smartphone dependency. We also sought opinions on expectations for the country's first government CTO, and asked for names of New Zealand innovators doing good for the world. We also wanted to know what they wish they could do online now that is not currently possible.
This was seen as a top priority in order to reduce society divides. There was is a need for better collaboration and dialogue between the public and private sectors to bridge the digital divide. Internet access should be as common as food and water, with all children having access for their education.
People say we have many well-established New Zealand innovation pioneers doing good for the world. These innovators are using disruptive technologies for public good and for the good of New Zealand’s future. Top scores went to Peter Beck and Sir Ray Avery.
We want to vote, see a doctor, set up a bank account, monitor our health, and engage with government online. The future of New Zealand is not only associated with high-tech products: there are several basic hygienic needs which still need to be fulfilled (e.g. internet access, mobile coverage).
There is a general expectation for both public and private organisations to put efforts into a digital strategy that support's the country's goals. People believe the role of new CTOs is to act like a mediator between the Government and citizens; and build collaboration among industries.
People are missing out on social opportunities, such as engaging in meaningful conversations. Some say children are having trouble developing social skills.
AI and electric or autonomous vehicles were seen to have biggest impact on our lives in the next 3-5 years. AI was named for its potential to address issues in health, transport and housing.
Most agree that ensuring free access to home Internet is the duty of both the private and public sectors:
Broadband is still seen as an expensive service, so making it more affordable could actually imply higher adoption rates also at home.
Comments from the crowd
The general expectation of the new CTOs is to act like a mediator between the Government and citizens; with, her/his key responsibilities being:
Comments from the crowd
Participants mention many personalities & companies considered to play a key role in fostering change and new technologies in a way that’s good for the world. Top scores go to:
Peter Beck & Rocket Lab, for disrupting the space sector, making the launch of satellites/rockets more efficient both in terms of money and time
Sir Ray Avery recognised for his professional achievements (e.g. more efficient baby incubators), as well his character and dedication to the health
Xero, for making financial accounting easier to comprehend, especially for SMEs
Air NZ was named for its fanastic customer experience
Sunfed Foods for an alternative to processed meat that is better the environment
Key concerns:
People are missing out on social opportunities, such as people engaging in meaningful conversations
Children are not able to experience real life anymore and are having trouble developing social skills
Security and protection of our personal data.
When asked to name one thing they wish they could do online, participants predominantly wanted to simplify basic aspects of their lives. They are also looking for convenience: e.g. voting online, managing the relationships with banks and utilities, monitor health and being able to speak online with a doctor or to make an online appointment.
Other wish list items:
- Virtual/ augmented reality experiences, with participants wanting to try/ test new products & services this way,
- a centralised online place for interacting with councils and public services,
- the ability to engage with other people (eg their children, overseas family, or teachers
- Better online booking or order delivery systems
Comments from the crowd
Insights:
- Most of the technologies named go hand in hand: eg Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning and Automation.
- Predictive consumer behaviour and data owned by companies opens new doors for building up algorithms and, thus, machine learning processes
- Supply chains, (especially in the food sector – e.g. its origin) is accelerating blockchain processes
-Consumers are looking for more and more experiences offered by the products and services they intend to buy/ already use, raising interest in theVR/ ARprocesses, since they allow them to better engage with brands
-Internet of Things is seen as facilitating, streaming and better controlling processes
Despite the above, there is still an expectation to improve basic “hygienics”, namely the existing aspects which are expected to work smoothly, but they don’t – e.g.increasing use of mobile, extending internet and mobile networks coverage, more attention given to recycling
Comments from the crowd
AI, followed by electric or autonomous vehicles
- Participants expect more of the basics to be solved in the upcoming years (e.g. good coverage of internet and technology, sustainable resources, medical developments)
- Even so,artificial Intelligenceis still named most frequently for the potential to address issues in health, transport and housing. Developments in health and pharmaceuticals are also expected to extend quality of life and lifespan
- Electric and even autonomous vehicleswill grow in development and use, being more cost-efficient and sustainable alternatives
- In many parts of NZ, especially in rural areas,internetpenetration is still low, but it is expected to grow in the future both in terms of use and coverage, having an overall positive impact on people’s lives (e.g. adoption of new technologies, reducing social divide). Same for mobile coverage
Comments from the crowd
Half say their local council does not do this effectively
Half say their local council does not use the internet effectively to engage with citizens.
Skills shortage affecting more than half
Skills shortage affecting more than half of respondents