Move to understand Guernsey’s digital economy as government looks to the future

Wednesday 28 August 2024

Work is underway to get a grip on the size, role, and opportunities of the island’s digital economy.

A new survey has been launched as part of a study being carried out by PwC on behalf of Economic Development.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, digital lead for the committee, said: “The data we have currently, which deals mostly with the more narrow ‘digital sector’ is valuable and important, but clearly digital technology and services play an important role in virtually all organisations. 

“We need to understand that bigger picture, where government needs to be delivering, and the opportunities for making sure we’re as competitive as possible. 

“The role of technology is central to our working lives and it is only getting bigger, at a faster rate. Technologies that are in their infancy now are likely to become mainstays in ways that may not be immediately obvious. We should be looking forward and anticipating the impact they will have so we are prepared and can make the most of them for our own economy.”

PwC were commissioned following a competitive tender process because of their expertise in analysing digital economies elsewhere as well as their presence in Guernsey and understanding of the local economic context.

PwC Channel Islands Senior Partner, Nick Vermeulen, said: “This study will help understand where our digital economy is now, where it could and should be, and how we can get there.”

The digital economy is a term that describes not only organisations and individuals working specifically in the digital sector, but also all areas of the economy where digital technology, infrastructure, services and data play a significant role.

While data is already gathered and published on the size of the digital sector, including its employment levels, GDP and GVA contribution, the new analysis of the wider digital economy will inform policy decisions so Guernsey can maximise the potential and growth supported by digital technology across all local industries.

The study will support the States’ existing Digital Framework, as well as other key objectives from providing the right skills in the workforce to enabling Guernsey’s involvement in international trade agreements.

The survey is being shared directly with businesses and is also available HERE.