As Australia’s University of Enterprise, UniSA has a long history of partnering with industry to develop and deliver educational offerings that address industry’s current and future needs.

The establishment of the Innovation Academy in Digital Business is UniSA’s latest initiative, the result of a joint partnership between the university and Accenture, one of the world’s largest consulting and professional services companies.

The Bachelor of Digital Business is the first degree to emerge from the Innovation Academy and the degree’s program director Dr Sarah Chua says it is a game changer for students.

“The world really will be theirs for the taking as this program distinctively positions students to excel in wherever their career will take them,” says Chua.

Twenty-five per cent of the program’s courses have been co-developed and designed by digital specialists from both partners, who will also deliver the program.

Chua says, “Students learn everything from the fundamentals of data security and technology, to how to apply emerging technologies to solve current and future business challenges.

Graduates will leave with a transferable skillset that Chua says will uniquely prepare them to manage and thrive, as industries globally “continue to be shaped by ongoing digital disruption and emerging technologies.”

They are likely to be sought after by employers for rapidly growing business functions, such as data analytics, strategic advisory, information systems and security, change management, marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Accenture’s lead of operations in Australia and New Zealand Jordan Griffiths says the degree, and the Innovation Academy, will ensure students have real-world applicability to their studies and contribute to the nation’s upskilling by developing graduates equipped for the technology-driven future.

“Five years in tech is a long time, and the speed of change in the industry has never been greater,” says Griffiths.

“As an organisation, we want to build pathways and opportunities that are flexible and agile that respond to the market and the individual.

“We are committed to supporting the growth of South Australia and Australia. This collaboration helps us ensure that Australia keeps pace with digital transformation and has the skills in areas such as automation, analytics and AI to lead the way.”

Accenture invests heavily in industry research and building their own internal capabilities. It included US$5 million in skills development in Australia last year, plus the release of two landmark annual reports, Technology Vision 2022 and Fjord Trends 2022.

The future outlined by those reports is one of rapid change and possibilities, as well as greater agency for the individual. It is not surprising then that Griffiths says there has been a significant shift in the needs and wants of employees and those studying for a career.

“Most want variety and are focused on micro-learning rather than one career for life – they want skills that give them purpose and are transferable into the real world,” he says.

“The Innovation Academy in Digital Business will deliver bespoke innovative curriculum and training programs, drawing on the skills and expertise of Accenture’s global workforce and UniSA’s established position in delivering education.”

UniSA’s Chua says a collaboration of this type between industry and university is unique within Australia.

“It is a commitment from both organisations to co-develop new industry informed education offerings that leverage the strengths of both organisations,” she explains.

The Bachelor of Digital Business will include a diverse range of local and international internship opportunities, including at Accenture. Students will also be able to undertake UniSA’s Business Careers Mentoring Program and Executive Partners Program, which provide students of all business degrees with opportunities to network and work directly with industry leaders.

The degree will be available to study on campus at UniSA City West from February 2023, with applications opening in August. The degree can also be studied 100% online via UniSA Online.

To learn more about the Bachelor of Digital Business, please visit unisa.edu.au/digital-business