A digitally transformed network

The Tension

As an unprecedented digital and technological revolution unfolds around us, transformative opportunities are emerging in all aspects of our work, including; the potential for data to open up new insights for our programs and communities; for technological advances to drive new approaches in volunteering, disaster response, forecasting and other program areas and; for stronger learning approaches through more dynamic and connected networks. Further advances over the coming decade are likely to significantly disrupt the way our work is undertaken and the kinds of actors who become involved in the sector. Risks will also need to be considered including ethical concerns, hacking and data privacy and protection. Technological advances can also expose communities to new vulnerabilities that will shape some of our programming in the coming years including isolation, bullying, polarisation and cyber attacks and malfeasance.

Some Issues identified in the S2030 consultations

• The network may not have the sufficient technical skills and know how on digital and data approaches – this includes training, developing, sourcing and retaining the right skill sets.
• Much of the cutting edge work on technology is happening outside the RCRC, more open partnerships with non-traditional actors will be necessary.
• Investment into experimenting with new approaches and building a culture that enables this will yield improvements.
• Concerns remain on how we equitably bring our entire network through a digital transformation journey. Many of our NSs live in contexts that are being left worse off in the digital divide – how do we advocate for, and invest our resources into ensuring that our entire network can benefit from these transformations in the same way.
• The potential value of a network this large that has strong and integrated data and digital approaches connected throughout the network would be transformative.

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