Senator John Le Fondré made the announcement at the opening of Jersey Enterprise Week this week TUES and said that the move recognised the ‘critical importance of the sector’.
And he added that further ‘redistribution’ of political responsibility in other areas was to come.
News of the transfer, which comes three years after responsibility for digital moved to the Chief Minister’s Department from Economic Development, was welcomed by Digital Jersey chief executive Tony Moretta. However, Mr Moretta said that the sector needed continued support from across States departments in order to progress.
Senator Le Fondré said: ‘I recognise the critical importance of this sector, and I want to send a clear message that government is providing increased focus on the tech industry.
‘Automation and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence present both a threat and an opportunity for Island businesses and we must work together to provide the education Islanders need to thrive in this fast-moving environment.
‘We must also retrain and redeploy people working in lower-skilled roles, so we can prepare them for the new positions that will emerge as a result of the fourth industrial revolution.’
And he added: ‘I’ve been considering where certain areas of political responsibility will be redistributed, and I am confident that combining the digital industry with the economy is the right solution. I am currently considering other areas and will shortly be making further announcements.’
Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham added: ‘My first step will be to develop a strong partnership between government and the digital industry.
‘We are already seeking Future Tech Talent placements for our Trident work experience scheme, and we have introduced a Back to Work digital staff scheme which provides paid training opportunities for digital businesses. I would like to expand these initiatives in partnership with industry, for the benefit of Islanders.’
Meanwhile, Mr Moretta said: ‘Government set up Digital Jersey to be the champion of digital, what we need from government is funding, providing we provide the business case, and political support across the different areas of government.’
