Smart Work in the ACT and Region

This report investigates the potential extent and benefits of smart work practices in the ACT and region. The aim is to inform policy and planning for the potential development of smart work hubs in the ACT and region. In the ‘smart’ era, our understanding of what drives productivity in the workplace is experiencing a transformation, the likes of which have not been seen since the industrial revolution. As technology has become increasingly embedded into everyday life, the opportunity to re-evaluate the conceptualisation of the ‘workplace’ and subsequently the potential to shape the physical and digital environment has emerged. The increased utilisation of technology to facilitate the undertaking of work remotely has major implications not only for business efficiency and effectiveness, but also for urban and regional planning and design. Smart work has great potential to help address the challenges facing today’s society created by the commuting between places of residence and work. Issues such as commuting, traffic and pressure on infrastructure, and transport emissions could all be reduced through the utilisation of smart work.