BLUF
Jobs, technology, talent development and partnerships are all part of Googles proposed AU$1 billion investment in Australia.Summary
Google has announced an AU$1 billion investment over five years to build Australia's technology talent, digital infrastructure and develop local tech partnerships. The Digital Future Initiative will focus on creating new jobs and building Australia's technology fundamentals. Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the Initiative would see the creation of its first research hub in Australia. As part of building that hub, Google intends to gather a team of local researchers and engineers to use AI processes to explore job creation, education, and training. There are claims the Initiative will create more than 28,000 new jobs in Australia and almost AU$6.5 billion in GDP growth. It is also expected that the new Google Initiative would allow for more technology integration between Australia and the United States. US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Michael Goldman described the Initiative as being about technology sharing, trust, and enabling Australia and the US 'to reach (our) fullest potential across a whole range of exciting technologies'. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was also at the announcement, shared the excitement and added that the AU$1 billion investment was a vote of confidence in Australia and its allies. Google has already entered agreements to work with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to explore clean energy, natural hazard management, which should contribute to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
Google will also invest in Macquarie University quantum computing research. However, Australia's tech industry has repeatedly expressed concern about the country's lack of resources for commercializing emerging technology, such as quantum computing.
References
Oct 2021 AFR Next wave of tech jobs will come from foreign investment, says TCA
Nov 2021 BBC Google: US technology giant to invest $740m in Australia
Nov 2021 CNBC Google commits $740 million to Australia months after threatening to pull its services
Nov 2021 CNet Google invests $740M in Australia amid calls for more regulation
