Speaking at a Committee for Ballarat and Telstra-sanctioned Technology in Review exhibition, Professor Bradlow stressed the the dangers of Australia’s technological arms race and the impact it could have on regional small businesses.

“The changes are coming quicker and faster than ever before,” he said.

“For most businesses, if you don’t adopt fast enough, you’re going to be way behind.

“There’s (both) an opportunity and a threat there – particularly for regional Australians.”

The exhibition, at the North Ballarat Sports Club, also featured vendors with a range of technologies, including applications, phone systems, mobile phones and network equipment supplies.