Making the right connections: investing in strategic alliances and networks
Strong local links and networks across sectors are crucial. Without them, our research advances may be exploited by other countries more quickly than they can be exploited domestically; Queensland’s commercial sector may miss opportunities to adopt new technologies and become more competitive. The Queensland Government will work even closer with industry, business and university sectors in pursuit of these opportunities.
At the same time, it is also important to capture the benefits of knowledge flows and technology transfer from other countries and states. The rest of Australia and the world provide a vast source of new ideas, new processes and technologies. Forging strategic alliances will help build critical mass, foster technological exchange, promote our respective capabilities and encourage investment.
All participants in the innovation system must build and maintain networks across sectors, across state lines and across international borders.
Beijing Olympics
Ogden International Facilities Corporation has recently completed a major consulting project, providing advice for the design of an 80 000 seat stadium being built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. Ogden IFC is currently engaged in a joint venture to manage the new Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and is also working with the Government of Qatar on the design and operation of the National (Education City) Convention Centre. These projects, which see the export of Queensland-based expertise, complement a long list of off-shore consulting engagements in the Asia-Pacific region including: the Malaysian National Sporting Complex; the Hong Kong Football Stadium; IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Bangkok; the new Taipei Arena; the Christchurch Convention Centre; and, the Senayan National Sports Complex in Jakarta.
The Queensland Government will:
- establish a new central advisory body, the Smart State Council, chaired by the Premier to provide the Queensland Government with high level advice on emerging trends in innovation and skills development, both local and overseas. Members will be drawn from business, research and community leaders and decision makers, and will be selected for their active interest in Queensland’s future, extensive networks, and ability to think strategically. The Council will provide a forum for the Queensland Government, industry and the community to discuss emerging innovation and skills development issues that will impact on Queensland and put in place measures that will position Queensland to respond to opportunities and challenges.
- expand the International Collaborations Program to support key alliances with countries, regions and overseas institutions that offer complementary skills and resources in areas where Queensland has a competitive advantage. These alliances will be used to learn from each other’s experience, jointly seek solutions to common problems, and capitalise on opportunities to achieve more effective economic, educational, scientific, social, cultural and environmental outcomes. Alliances with international organisations like the Smithsonian Institution have allowed Queensland researchers to match it with the best in the world.
- establish the Smart State Alumni, a network of community and business leaders, including Smart State Ambassadors and recipients of other Queensland Government awards, to discuss, debate and disseminate information on Smart State issues and be advocates for the Smart State across Queensland and the world.
- establish the Smart State Virtual Network so all members of the Queensland community can share information and ideas, and attend relevant information and networking events. The Network will give Queenslanders an opportunity to contribute their views and help shape the Smart State agenda.