Most exciting digital innovations of 2018

Digital innovation is a priority of the public and private sectors alike, with digital disruption coming fast and thick across industries. Technological evolution is confronting businesses and making them re-evaluate traditional business models.

It’s not even halfway through the year and there are already some exciting developments from 2018:

1. The e-health virtual assistant

The Australian Digital Health Agency is in the early stages of creating a virtual assistant to help users navigate the My Health Record website. ADHA is working with FaceMe to determine if the organisation’s data is compatible with the technology.
FaceMe also worked with the National Disability Insurance Agency to develop Nadia- a virtual assistant that helps the agency handle 8000 calls on a weekly basis.

2. AusPost’s Digital ID now accepted in Victoria

Victoria has become the first state to accept a digital version of identity proof in licensed venues across the state. Once the Keypass ID has been set up on the individual’s phone, venues will need to scan the QR code to confirm their identity.

3. Autonomous cars soon to drive Sydney roads

Having passed legislation to enable the tests, the NSW Government has announced driverless cars will be trialled across the Lane Cove Tunnel, Hills M2 Motorway, Westlink M7, M5, Eastern Distributor, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

4. SA’s L-platers are already using digital licenses

Using the my SA GOV smartphone app, drivers can present their licences in real-time- they even feature an orange or red bar at the bottom to inform police officers of expired or suspended licenses. The app generates a barcode which refreshes every 30 seconds to prevent counterfeit licenses being used.

5. Open Banking

The days of filling out forms with the same information at different financial institutions may soon be over, with open banking promising to simplify every day financial transactions. Open banking will make it easier to compare fees, charges and interest between different banks or insurance companies

Written by: Claire Dowler

Claire Dowler is a Senior Conference Producer with Akolade. She recently graduated with a double degree: a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Media and Communications Studies majoring in International Communication. Claire minored in sarcasm and puns.

A ballroom-dancer who collects salt and pepper shakers and volunteers for animal rescue, you might say Claire has eclectic interests.