The Smart State Strategy
In 1998, Queensland was developing an extensive knowledge infrastructure centred on nine universities, research agencies such as the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, the State’s extensive education system, and emerging companies active in ICT and other new technologies. Queensland had the potential to further develop a range of key research strengths that included:
- ICT and creative industries
- medical and biomedical research
- environment and natural resource management
- aquaculture and marine science
- agriculture and animal health
- mining, minerals processing and energy
- engineering and manufacturing
- transportation
Queensland also had emerging capabilities in niche areas such as nanotechnology, neuroscience, forensics, sports science and eco-tourism.
However, many of the developments were not coordinated and there was insufficient recognition of these sectors’ potential to generate wealth. Local levels of investment were failing to keep pace with investments being made in countries such as Singapore, Japan, Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States – where significant investment was being made in emerging technologies such as biotechnology and nanotechnology.
The Queensland Government recognised that greater levels of investment were needed to boost Queensland’s knowledge infrastructure and take advantage of the State’s potential. In particular, the State needed to:
- enhance the skills and research infrastructure to drive research and development (R&D) and innovation
- ensure Queenslanders had access to state-of-the-art telecommunications systems
- address gaps in financial systems to ensure Queensland researchers could commercialise their discoveries
- assist government agencies, firms, existing industries and the broader community to access new technologies to drive productivity.
In August 2003, the Government released the Smart State Strategy prospectus, Queensland the Smart State – Investing in Science: Research, Education and Innovation, charting the Government’s investments in science, research and innovation over the previous five years. The prospectus outlined the Government’s commitment to achieving the Smart State vision, and charted future directions and new initiatives in nine key strategic areas:
- using knowledge to drive economic growth
- skilling the Smart State
- science education
- building Queensland’s scientifc and research facilities
- commercialising discoveries and innovations
- harnessing smart science for the environment
- managing the knowledge and information economy
- government agencies to drive research and innovation
- strategic partnerships.
This document, Smart State Strategy Progress 2004, builds on the Smart State Strategy prospectus, highlighting the Government’s performance in achieving the Smart State vision. It outlines important new initiatives within the Smart State strategic framework that capitalise on Queensland’s strengths and capabilities to ensure Queensland remains at the forefront of science and technology innovation.
Last reviewed 19 January 2006