Tech
Explainers

The objective of this module is to explain common technologies to a non-technical audience. A deeper understanding by policymakers of these technologies will inform more nuanced and effective tech policy design.

Do you have a tech explainer that you think we should add?
Or maybe there is a technology you want us to add to the library, or an explainer you would like us to source?
Please contact us.

Artificial Intelligence

“Artificial Intelligence is actually just a broad term which describes using machines to do tasks which are similar to what humans would – read, see, infer from information it’s seen before.” – Nick Therkelsen, Co-Founder & CEO, MaxKelsen 

Open Module
Big Data

Big Data refers to large and complex data sets. It requires investment in people, technology, and systems. But it is the key to unlocking incredible insight.” – Stephanie Thomson, Actuary & Data Scientist, Accenture

Open Module
Blockchain

“Blockchain is shorthand for a whole suite of distributed ledger technologies that can be programmed to record and track anything of value.” – Centre for International Governance Innovation

Open Module
Cloud Computing

“Cloud computing is the delivery of ICT services over the internet on demand.” – Department of Communications, Australian Government

Open Module
Drones

“Drones… often called remotely piloted aircraft here in Australia, are small autonomous robots that fly through the air.” – Eric Peck, Co-Founder & CEO, SwoopAero

Open Module
Edge Computing

“Edge computing is an emerging computing paradigm which refers to a range of networks and devices at or near the user… processing data closer to where its being generated…” – Accenture

Open Module
The Internet and Domain Name System

“Many people think the Internet is a thing, but it is more a concept, a designed concept…it is a layered concept, and it has many dimensions.” – Pablo Hinojosa, Strategic Engagement Director, Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC)

Open Module
Internet of Things

“The Internet of Things (IoT) is a broad term that generally refers to physical devices connected to the internet that collect, share or use data.” – Victorian Information Commissioner

Open Module
Quantum Computing

“Quantum Computing, simply put, is a new way to process information using the laws of quantum physics.” – Dr Michael Hush, Chief Scientific Officer, Q-CTRL

Open Module
Metaverse

“The metaverse is a story we are telling about what the future of technical infrastructures might look like when you combine virtual reality, augmented reality, high-speed internet connections and some kind of notion of a virtual space you might occupy with other people.” – Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell AO FAHA FTSE

Open Module
Semiconductors

“The semiconductor industry is basically what runs our modern world.” – Mike Nicholls, Partner, Main Sequence Ventures

Open Module
5G

“5G takes everything that’s great about mobile technology and pushes it to the next level.” – Narelle Devine, Chief Information Security Officer Asia Pacific, Telstra

Open Module