DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group
DBrief, the business podcast from Australian Industry Group is for business people with a keen interest in understanding the connection between their individual business operation and the broader issues of Industry Development, Industry Policy and new government regulations.
Via an engaging and informal interview format, DBrief will investigate:
- What is happening in Industry Policy, and what does it mean?
- Where are these issues going, and what do I need to know?
- What do I need to think about and learn, in order to stay abreast of- or even ahead of- the emerging issues and developments?
By understanding the answers to these questions, business operators can stay ahead of changes and market movements, and be better prepared for Digitalisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification in their business and their market sector.
The podcast is designed to provide Australian Industry Group members and other business owners with a useful and timely insight into the changes in policy and regulations, and what is means for business.
DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group
DBrief: Summer series — Getting Started - The AI Adoption Challenge for Industry
In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing questions for Australian industry: why is AI adoption still so low, and what will it take to change that?
Our panel brings together three unique perspectives:
- Martin U. Ripple, Group Chief Executive, ANCA - a leader in CNC machines -shares how his company overcame internal resistance and is now pushing the boundaries with virtual employees and workflow innovation.
- Keith Ritchie, Head of Communications and Government Affairs, Siemens Australia and New Zealand, explains why digitalisation and AI are critical for productivity and decarbonisation - and how accessibility is transforming opportunities for SMEs.
- John O’Mahony, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics, unpacks new research on the barriers to adoption and the economic dividend Australia could unlock by accelerating AI uptake.
From practical steps like hackathons and data cleaning to big-picture policy ideas such as tax incentives, this conversation explores the cultural, technical, and strategic shifts needed to make AI a driver of competitiveness rather than a curiosity.
Takeaways
- Leadership and curiosity are essential to overcoming resistance and building confidence in AI.
- Data quality - not just structure - is a major barrier for SMEs looking to implement AI successfully.
- AI adoption is often driven by external suppliers and customer expectations, but long-term success requires clear business strategies.
- Digitalisation and AI together can unlock productivity, sustainability, and innovation across supply chains.
- Accessibility of industrial AI tools means SMEs have unprecedented opportunities to compete globally.
- Policy levers, like targeted tax incentives, could accelerate adoption and deliver significant economic gains.
- Ethical leadership and strong governance frameworks are critical for safe and effective AI implementation.
Read Australian Industry Group’s report Artificial Intelligence: Positive for companies, their people, and Australian Industry.
Note: This recording is from a live event and the audio quality may vary.
