2009 Australia - Digital Economy - Health, Education and Government

E-health

E-health is rapidly shaping up as one of the key killer apps on the truly high-speed broadband networks and millions of people around the world can potentially benefit from e-health applications. In the western world we are facing a massive dilemma in relation to healthcare. New technologies and knowledge has resulted in increased life expectation and improved lifestyles. The cost of this however is enormous, and we simply can no longer afford to finance these huge advancements through the public health systems.

In countries with proper broadband infrastructure, we see e-health shaping up as a way that will allow us to enjoy these advances in medical technology and medical services, at a more affordable cost. This report provides overviews of the developments occurring in the e-health market, including analysis and statistics.

E-education & e-science

The Internet and associated Web 2.0 technologies has further broadened the quality and possibilities for remote education and the ‘virtual classroom’. Tele-education is also becoming increasingly important in training health professionals in remote areas.

Corporations and universities are continuing to adopt e-learning solutions in an effort to lower costs and provide training and education to a wider audience. Enterprises also adopt e-learning for similar reasons. However, in the current economic environment, BuddeComm sees e-learning growth being curtailed somewhat as companies reign in spending, which in turn will impact upon training and education budgets.

The Labor Government made this a key element of its election campaign. This report provides an overview of e-education in terms of both tele-education and e-learning.

The report also introduces and analyses the concept of e-science.

E-government

Many countries around the world are now well aware of the importance of e-government and many governments have shown leadership in developing online services. The benefits of e-government applications can include cutting costs and improving processes and information flow - but one of its primary aims is to improve customer service for citizens.

This report provides information on e-government with a focus on web-based services. The report identifies the leading governments, common applications and benefits of e-government.

Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.