From the Director’s Desk
Welcome to this edition of the Centre for Digital Enterprise (CODE) newsletter. The articles featured this month reflect the complexity and urgency of issues shaping the digital economy—from collaboration and security to platform strategies and regulation. Each theme underscores a common truth: success in the digital era requires foresight, adaptability, and shared responsibility.
First, academia–industry partnerships remain a cornerstone of innovation. Universities generate knowledge, while businesses apply it to solve real-world problems. Our collaborations with Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services exemplify this synergy, producing insights that help organisations navigate digital transformation and sustainability challenges. Globally, such partnerships have driven breakthroughs in sectors from telecommunications to agritech. At CODE, we see these relationships not only as vehicles for innovation but as essential for preparing graduates with practical skills and networks that make them future-ready.
Second, cybersecurity for SMEs is no longer optional—it’s existential. As smaller firms embrace cloud platforms and remote work, they face escalating threats without the resources of large corporations. Our featured article highlights key vulnerabilities: limited budgets, complex systems, and human factors. The takeaway is clear: SMEs must adopt affordable, scalable solutions and invest in employee awareness. Managed services and cloud-based security platforms offer a path forward, but resilience also depends on culture and planning. Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a business imperative.
Third, our research with Boston Consulting Group reveals a paradox in digital platform procurement. Clients are highly satisfied with their providers yet actively scan the market for alternatives. Why? Risk mitigation and future-proofing. Multi-platform strategies, customisation, and data ownership are deliberate moves to maintain control and avoid lock-in. This behaviour signals a shift from relational to transactional contracting, driven by high perceived switching costs and rapid technological change. For platform providers, this means delivering not just operational efficiency but flexibility and trust.
Fourth, technology regulation is emerging as a defining issue for governments and businesses alike. New Zealand’s debate on banning under-16s from social media reflects global trends toward tighter oversight. But regulation cannot be left to platforms alone. Solutions like RealMe for age verification show how we can lead with privacy-preserving frameworks. For organisations, this is more than compliance—it’s about embracing digital responsibility. Businesses that anticipate regulatory shifts and align with societal expectations will be better positioned for the future.
Finally, digital inclusion must remain at the heart of our digital transformation agenda. As technology advances, we risk widening gaps for those without access to devices, connectivity, or digital skills. Inclusion is not just about infrastructure—it’s about capability and confidence. At CODE, we advocate for policies and partnerships that ensure all communities can participate in and benefit from the digital economy. A truly innovative society is one where no one is left behind.
As we look ahead, CODE remains committed to bridging research and practice, fostering dialogue, and shaping strategies that turn challenges into opportunities. I invite you to engage with these insights, share your perspectives, and join us in building a digital economy that is innovative, secure, and responsible.
Professor Ilan Oshri
Director, Centre for Digital Enterprise
University of Auckland Business School