The Future of the Digital CBD

The Blockchain Innovation Hub, the Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, and the Digital Ethnography Research Centre conducted large scale research which considered the acceleration of digital technology directly impacted by COVID-19 and consequently, the opportunity areas for a Digital CBD.

This research included a series of five reports and a final roadmap to provide direction on how cities could become Digital CBD's with Melbourne positioned as a pilot city to lead the way. This research initiative was known as the Digital CBD Project and was commissioned by the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).

This research project provided:

A strategic roadmap developed across five reports for cross sector adjustments to the post COVID-19 digital environment

Engagement with industry, government and society and development of public policy recommendations

A program of high-quality academic research building and evidence base and theoretical understandings to underpin the value and contribution of a Digital CBD initiative

Development of measures that focused on reimagining precincts, secure supply chains, cybersecurity capabilities and digital skills together with digital infrastructures

melbourne skyline from the yarra at sunset

The Digital CBD Roadmap - A vision for Melbourne as a leading digital city

To provide a clear roadmap for Victoria’s recovery, recommendations were put forward in each report focusing on labour markets, required skills, innovation, creating accessible and engaging digital infrastructure, city data and cyber security.

This roadmap outlines opportunities for investment as well as providing Melbourne with a clear guideline of how to recover following the pandemic.

Reports

Report 5 - Are people ready for a Digital CBD? The new infrastructure demands

This final report in the Digital CBD research series concludes with an in-depth analysis of how people in Melbourne use digital technology and infrastructures and provides recommendations on what infrastructure requirements are needed for a Digital CBD.

Download Report 5

pedestrians crossing a wet street in melbourne, with one person holding a bright pink umbrella in the foreground

Report 4 – Digital skills and cyber security. How do we secure our future?

Download this report which identifies where the current digital skills gaps and shortages are in the Victorian labour market and how they can best be addressed to minimise the impact of future challenges.

Download Report 4

vignettes of technology and collaboration laid over city skyline

Report 3 - Towards just and resilient supply chains for the digital CBD

Just and resilient supply chains are fundamental to the development of a digital CBD. In order to build digital cities, digital supply chains need to be built first. The third report examines the challenges and opportunities through Web 3.0 technology, to build more resilient, secure and just supply chains.

Download Report 3

Metal sculpture

Report 2 – The Docklands DAO: Reimagining precincts in a digital CBD

The second report explores a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) for the Melbourne CBD designed to rejuvenate the CBD for all stakeholder’s and used as a tool for targeted economic stimulus, community governance and community engagement.

Download Report 2

Melbourne skyline at night

Report 1 – The Future of the Digital CBD: Melbourne & Beyond

The first report outlines the opportunity areas for a digital CBD and the broad research areas and agenda we are undertaking as part of developing a digital roadmap for Victoria.

Download Report 1

neon lights and illuminated structures in Federation Square, Melbourne.

pedestrians crossing a wet street in melbourne, with one person holding a bright pink umbrella in the foreground

Report 5 - Are people ready for a Digital CBD? The new infrastructure demands

This final report in the Digital CBD research series concludes with an in-depth analysis of how people in Melbourne use digital technology and infrastructures and provides recommendations on what infrastructure requirements are needed for a Digital CBD.

Download Report 5

vignettes of technology and collaboration laid over city skyline

Report 4 – Digital skills and cyber security. How do we secure our future?

Download this report which identifies where the current digital skills gaps and shortages are in the Victorian labour market and how they can best be addressed to minimise the impact of future challenges.

Download Report 4

Metal sculpture

Report 3 - Towards just and resilient supply chains for the digital CBD

Just and resilient supply chains are fundamental to the development of a digital CBD. In order to build digital cities, digital supply chains need to be built first. The third report examines the challenges and opportunities through Web 3.0 technology, to build more resilient, secure and just supply chains.

Download Report 3

Melbourne skyline at night

Report 2 – The Docklands DAO: Reimagining precincts in a digital CBD

The second report explores a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) for the Melbourne CBD designed to rejuvenate the CBD for all stakeholder’s and used as a tool for targeted economic stimulus, community governance and community engagement.

Download Report 2

neon lights and illuminated structures in Federation Square, Melbourne.

Report 1 – The Future of the Digital CBD: Melbourne & Beyond

The first report outlines the opportunity areas for a digital CBD and the broad research areas and agenda we are undertaking as part of developing a digital roadmap for Victoria.

Download Report 1

News and media

Events

Previous Event | Report 5 Release - Are people ready for a Digital CBD?  The new infrastructure demands

Previous Event | Report 5 Release - Are people ready for a Digital CBD? The new infrastructure demands

The final report in the Digital CBD Project research series on new digital infrastructures required for a Digital CBD was released at this live online event. RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub Co Directors, Distinguished Jason Potts and Associate Professor Chris Berg together with RMIT Digital Ethnography Research Centre Co Director and author Professor Annette Markham and author Dr Alexia Maddox, provided key insights into digital infrastructures and analysis of data from the first-of-its kind Digital CBD Survey which informed the research on the work from home trends as well as the importance of creating a future digital city that is engaging and inclusive for all. Presenters then took part in an informal debate unpacking the meaning of digital infrastructures and trends from the report through an economic and sociological lens.
Previous Event | Report 4 Release - Digital skills and cyber security.  How do we secure our Future?

Previous Event | Report 4 Release - Digital skills and cyber security. How do we secure our Future?

Watch this recording for a snapshot of the key findings from Report 4 and a better understanding of how the digital skills gap impacts our current and future security. This recording includes a panel discussion facilitated by Professor Matthew Warren with Report 4 authors Dr Konrad Peszynki and Dr Ahmad Salehi Shahraki. Industry expert Glenn Goodwin, the Executive Director of ICT at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry joins the panel for context on what is happening right now on the ground together with Jacqui Loustau, the founder of the Australian Women in Security Network on how attracting and retaining women in cyber security increases the pool of digital skilled workers.
Previous event | Report 3 Release - Towards just and resilient supply chains for the digital CBD

Previous event | Report 3 Release - Towards just and resilient supply chains for the digital CBD

Watch this recording of the live event release of Report 3 which provides a summary of the report as well as detailed Q&A analysis hosted by Associate Professor Chris Berg with cyber security expert Professor Matt Warren, supply chain expert Dr Konrad Peszynski and blockchain expert Dr Tharuka Rupasinghe.
Previous event | Report 2 Release - Reimagining precincts in a Digital CBD: creating a DAO pilot for the Docklands

Previous event | Report 2 Release - Reimagining precincts in a Digital CBD: creating a DAO pilot for the Docklands

Watch this recording to find out more about this exciting opportunity for Melbourne to be at the forefront of the digital revolution by utilising data and engaging communities through digital technology such as a pilot DAO for the Docklands.
Previous event | Report 1 Release - The Future of the Digital CBD:  Melbourne and Beyond

Previous event | Report 1 Release - The Future of the Digital CBD: Melbourne and Beyond

Watch this recording to gain an insight of the research agenda and an overview of the first report - The Future of the Digital CBD: Melbourne and Beyond. Listen to our expert panellists Distinguished Professor Jason Potts, Professor Tania Lewis, Associate Professor Chris Berg, Professor Matt Warren and RMIT’s Policy & Impact Executive Director Tom Bentley, discuss the economical, social, cultural, policy and security issues around a Digital CBD.

Industry partners

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About us

Blockchain Innovation Hub

The RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub is the world’s first research centre on the social science of blockchain. Bringing together economics, sociology, public policy and political economy to provide a new way to understand the global blockchain evolution.

Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation

A multi-disciplinary research centre that brings researchers from across RMIT to bring a truly multidisciplinary approach to the organisational, human and technology aspects of Cyber Security.

Digital Ethnography Research Centre

The Digital Ethnography Research Centre (DERC) applies cutting edge ethnographic approaches to better understand how digital tech impacts our present lives and potential futures.


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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.