Qld Govt holds innovation review

A comprehensive review into Queensland’s innovation system has been launched by the state government.

The ‘Our Innovation Future’ review is taking place as part of a plan to ensure the state’s multimillion-dollar investment in innovation diversifies the state’s economy over the next 30 years.

The end goal is to see that Queensland’s innovation system meets the many major economic, social and community challenges that will arise through digital disruption in coming decades.

“We invest in innovation to create the jobs of the future here in Queensland,” said Innovation Minister Kate Jones.

“Our $650 million Advance Queensland fund is designed to give innovators everything they need to tackle the state’s greatest challenges and diversify our economy.

“I’ve launched this review to make sure we’re up to date and we’re doing everything we can to support our innovators to create sustainable jobs in the wake of the resources boom.

“We need to look not just at what the government is doing but at the innovation system as a whole.

“The role of universities and research institutes is critical along with innovation in business and industry, which helps drive our competitiveness.”

A new report into the risks and opportunities for Queensland over the coming decades will outline the impact of those challenges when it is released next week.

The research report will highlight the challenges and opportunities reshaping Queensland’s economy in the next 20 years, from changing employment and new occupations to new technologies, new markets and global export opportunities.

The government’s review began with a roundtable event on 30 August involving leaders from across Queensland’s innovation system, with the outcomes used to develop a public issues paper to engage participants throughout the innovation system.

The review will seek to identify policies and programs that produced the best results and determine the means of meeting new challenges.

Jones said the innovation review would result in a new plan which will shape the next phase in Queensland’s innovation agenda.

“This is about shaping the future of our state for all Queenslanders,” she said.

“Since 2015, the government has backed more than 3600 innovators and driven more than 12,500 jobs.

“We are investing in innovation to create jobs now and for future generations of Queenslanders.

“We’re committed to continuing the Palaszczuk government’s great record when it comes to innovation — that’s why we’re actively talking to stakeholders about ways we can better work together to diversify Queensland’s economy.”

Image credit: ©Sergey Nivens/Dollar Photo Club

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