Jersey: the future's digital!

Thursday 09 February 2017

A new plan has been published which would see computing made compulsory in local schools right up to the age of 16, putting it on a similar level to Maths and English.

It's one of the aims in the States' new "Digital Policy Framework" - essentially a blue print for how they intend to develop the Island's technology sector, get more government services online and enable Islanders to improve their digital skills.

The document sets out six areas to look at:

• a thriving digital sector;
• digital skills for all;
• advanced digital infrastructure;
• Government digital transformation;
• robust cyber security;
• secure data protection.

And then summarises what it intends to do in each area, before setting a measure for success. These measures include:

• 1,000 new high-value jobs in the digital sector;
• digital sector GVA up by 50%, with a focus on high-productivity sub-sectors;
• a Universal Service Obligation giving every islander the right to access broadband of 1Gb/s;
• completion of island-wide fibre to the premises broadband rollout by 2019;
• a compulsory computing curriculum for all students;
• digital leadership training provided to 90% of senior management by 2018;

You can read the full policy statement here. 

We’re preparing Jersey for a digital future. Read about it in our Digital Policy Framework released today https://t.co/eTjqNEIJzj

— States of Jersey (@StatesofJersey) February 8, 2017

Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst commented:

“This Digital Policy Framework sets us on the path to a stable and prosperous future for islanders based on a strong digital sector. It will present opportunities for jobs in new high-value areas, opportunities for a strong and stable economy and opportunities for a healthy society.

“We have already begun some of the important work needed to make Jersey a recognised tech centre. We should be proud that our forward-thinking fibre roll-out will give Islanders unrivalled broadband speeds, and that, thanks to new regulations, Jersey is starting to attract virtual currency businesses.

“But this Framework isn’t just about creating new opportunities: it’s also about protecting the Island and its people. The Internet is an integral part of most of our lives, whether we use it for banking, social media or for work. There are risks inherent in this – and that’s why we are prioritising cyber security and data protection to safeguard Islanders and protect their rights online."