Sometimes, the finest things we learn come from looking outside of our own country.

Northern Ireland is busy building its own digital identity, but New Zealand, a tiny, innovative country on the other side of the globe, provides a great example of how to do it.

This isn't a tale about a huge economic superpower. Instead, it's about a little nation that used technology to get over its physical isolation and build a strong digital economy. What can companies in Belfast, Derry, and Enniskillen learn from the people of New Zealand?

A Focus on High-Value Sectors

New Zealand has made a plan to grow its high-value technology industries. Instead of attempting to compete in all sectors, they've focused on the ones where they have a natural edge. For example, the agritech sector is growing quickly, with businesses making anything from automated farm management systems to high-tech soil sensors. Fintech is another important sector where a lot of new companies are making financial services more contemporary. Because they focus on certain areas, companies may become world leaders in those areas, which will bring in money and talent. This is a clear message for Northern Ireland businesses: establish your expertise and take charge of it.

Government as a Digital Partner

The solid relationship between the government and the business sector is one of the most important things that has helped New Zealand succeed. "Digital Boost" and other programs provide small companies free advice and tools to help them become digital. The government also tries to make rules that are "light-touch" so that people may trust them while yet encouraging new ideas. This environment that helps is really important. Companies don't have to figure things out on their own; they have a clear route and someone to assist them get connected and up to speed.

The Broader Digital Ecosystem

The digital revolution in New Zealand affects almost every part of life and business. The nation has grown more technologically connected, from the way individuals buy things online to the way they use services. A lot of people using this makes it a good place for new digital services to grow. For example, the expansion of e-commerce platforms and online financial services has also caused entertainment to move into the digital world. This is seen in the popularity of services like online pokies in New Zealand and a wide range of digital media. Because so many people are open to and familiar with technology, there is a market for digital-first solutions.

Remote Working and Global Reach

New Zealand's companies have been able to grow throughout the world because of how they use technology. Being far away from big markets like the UK or the US is no longer a problem. A small team in Wellington may help clients in London or New York without ever leaving their office by building software and digital solutions that can grow. This is a great model for businesses in Northern Ireland since it lets them utilize digital resources to reach customers and workers all over the world. It shows how the internet has made business more open to everyone, with innovation being more crucial than location.

What's Next for Northern Ireland?

It's evident what we can learn from New Zealand. To build a thriving digital economy, you need more than simply fast internet. You also need to work together to create a business-friendly atmosphere. It needs a deliberate emphasis on areas that are growing quickly, a partnership between government and business, and a general acceptance of digital technologies in society. Northern Ireland can make its own digital future stronger by following the Kiwis' example. This would help its companies not only survive but also do well on a worldwide scale. Now is the moment to connect and think globally.