Towards the next stage of Smart State
In 1998 the Queensland Government announced its intention to transform Queensland into a Smart State. Since then we have designed and implemented a range of strategies, programs and initiatives to make our economy one that harnesses knowledge, creativity and innovation to improve prosperity and quality of life for all Queenslanders. The Smart State vision is a recognition that the most successful economies of the world are transitioning towards knowledge-based economies. This is an economy where knowledge and learning enhance the generation of wealth and prosperity in existing and new industries. Smart State initiatives have been designed around a platform of the following key elements that international research indicates will drive a knowledge economy:
These initiatives have built upon a broad range of Queensland Government activities that continue to maintain our strong economic foundations and sustain our environment. This report has outlined the Queensland Government's activities, and progress data, for each of these ingredients of the Smart State vision. The data and case studies in this report show we are progressing well.
We are proud of these results. The significant work progressed under the Smart State Strategy has broadened and strengthened our economic base. We have developed vibrant, competitive knowledge-intensive industries such as biotechnology, aviation, aerospace, creative industries and ICT. We have also used R&D and innovation to strengthen our existing, strong traditional industries such as mining and agriculture. We have built a better and more flexible education and training system to help equip Queenslanders to meet the challenges of the future. We have also implemented a range of reforms to more sustainably use our natural resources. |
 Your Smart State, your sayThe Smart State vision also relies on a strong and supportive community. How do we capitalise on our buoyant economy to create a culture of creativity and innovation and ensure opportunities are spread throughout Queensland communities? How could the Smart State Strategy extend its reach into areas such as the arts and culture? We welcome your feedback. |
Looking to the future
The Smart State journey is not over. Queensland has become increasingly competitive at the national level. We have come a long way. Over the past 10 years the Queensland economy has grown at a higher rate than the rest of Australia and the G7 nations - the world's seven most developed nations. Over the next 10 years our goal is for Queensland to continue this trend and maintain a strong economy.
People are central to the knowledge economy. Our challenge is to continue improving our education and training systems so more Queenslanders achieve high levels of qualifications and are prepared for the jobs of the future.
Queensland now has a strong research and development base. To compete with global knowledge economies in the future, we will need to continue to raise our research standards, and particularly to raise private sector investment in research and development.
Queenslanders are good innovators, with approximately 30 per cent of added economic value from knowledge-intensive industries. However, compared with the leading OECD countries our challenge is to continue to increase our share of high-value jobs and exports to internationally-competitive levels.
We still face significant environmental challenges. We need to continue to find new ways the Queensland Government can work with communities to reduce our impact on the environment.
The Smart State vision relies on strong supportive communities. Our challenge will be to strengthen our communities as places of creativity, inspiration and inclusion through the Smart State Strategy.
To build on our approach to achieving the Smart State vision we need to learn from what we've done over the past 10 years, identify what we still need to do, and take the next steps to ensure Queensland has a productive economy, strong communities and a sustainable environment for the next 10 years.
Next steps
The Smart State Strategy is an evolving plan of action. It is regularly refined to ensure new challenges are addressed and Queensland remains competitive on the world stage.
We now seek your feedback on the information and questions in this report and welcome your ideas about how we can secure our future. Your contributions will help shape the next stage of the Smart State Strategy. There will also be a number of opportunities for you to get involved in the lead up to the release of the next Strategy in mid-2008.
A strong and vibrant Smart State will benefit all Queenslanders. By working together we can ensure the vision reaches all members of our community and builds a Smart State that all Queenslanders can enjoy.
Last reviewed 29 October 2007