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Connectivity Compass Framework

Find out more about the Connectivity Compass framework and Program Compass

Program Overview

The Connectivity Compass” is a concept that has been developed as part of the Queensland Connects Innovation Programme of works to  solve a considerable challenge of ensuring strong robust connected communities and bridging the digital divide. 

Through the program Team Connectivity identified that despite significant efforts by many stakeholders, there were was still significant barriers to digital parity, especially in regional, remote and first nation communities.

The team found that fundamental to this were the basic elements that there is confusion and differences between

  • There is no common definition as to what does connectivity mean.
  • There is no common definition as to what "good " is across different aspects of connectivity.
  • It is difficult to navigate the diverse number of programs available to support uplifting connectivity
  • Programs that are not community lead lack understanding and awareness of specific community challenges.

Through a range of different workshops, team connectivity landed on a community lead framework that enabled common language for connectivity and what good looks like that can facilitate and simplify communities to understand their needs and engage with stakeholders and simply and easily find programs. This model is called the Connectivity Compass. 

The team is now finished the proof of concept and evaluating options for funding and delegations to progress the framework into a working model  

 

The Connectivity Compass 

The Connectivity Compass serves to describe  the aspects of connectivity simplistically with eight (8) areas of participation that are pre-requisite for effectively in the digital economy across various aspects of life, education, work and business. It also defines eight (8) enablers that are required to use technology effectively to be able to participate to a standard level. 

To be delivered as a hub and spoke model the program would be centrally defined, designed and managed and supported at a grass roots level through Community Connectivity Champions with local knowledge, stakeholder networks and physical places and spaces.  

A core requirement to being able to ascertain community connectivity maturity and resilience is the establishment of standard benchmarks for all enablers and areas of participation.

While there has been some work in the initial project phase to define benchmarks for social inclusion, meaningful local work, business and digital health these need to be further developed with consultation and agreement across stakeholder groups.

The opportunity for national benchmarks for defining what connectivity means and what good looks like will be transformational for government, industry and communities alike in understanding and communicating need and progress. 

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Connectivity Compass Analyser

For a simple tool the Program Analyser provides considerable opportunities for both stakeholders and communities to find, evaluate programs to meet connectivity challenges. 

Currently programs are delivered at various topographies making it challenging to get a helicopter view of all the initiatives let alone narrow down that focus to specific needs, regions or diversity groups. 

In phase one of the Connectivity Compass project a working model of the Connectivity Compass Program Analyser has been developed.

This analyser has been built on a database of programs identified through the First Nations Digital Skills Program as well as a  number of other programs identified. 

However there is still a way to go. If the program was funded and an appropriate driving agency or organisation identified further development would be undertaken to maintain a living and enduring database of programs mapped to the connectivity compass. It would enable communities and government to be able to filter and find appropriate programs to suit needs, reduce duplication and identify possible solutions to programs available in other regions that could be drawn upon as inspiration.

In addition to the program analyser there are a number of programs that could be developed to support community and the Community Connectivity Champion build connectivity resilience.

These include:

  • AI Driven Chatbot with answers to frequently asked questions 
  • Community Needs and Maturity Dashboard  
  • Connectivity Champion Operating Procedures and Guidelines 
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