This study by Howard Partners finds that ICT is pervasive throughout the manufacturing value chain and has significantly improved the competitiveness of Australia's manufacturing industry. Manufacturing companies are developing ICT in Australia and bundling it with other products. They are using ICT to create innovative solutions and to change their business paradigm. The report concludes that cross-fertilisation of skills, ideas and understanding between Australia's ICT and manufacturing sectors needs to be encouraged.

The report explores the role and contribution of ICT to innovation, productivity gains and building value-add and competitive advantage within manufacturing companies whose primary business is not the production of ICT. It is based on a study of the development, application and use of ICT in a number of manufacturing companies and examines the impact ICT is having on their products, operations, productivity, business models and competitive positions. The study comprised a literature review and interviews with senior representatives of over 20 companies from a broad range of non-ICT manufacturing sectors.

This report is part of a series of related studies on the impact of ICT on business performance and its role in promoting innovation and productivity across the economy.