Paul Fennelly comments on the impact of the Smart State strategy on Queensland's economic development. He notes that some of the strategy's impetus for constructive change was lost when the slogan was overused by sections of the State's public service.
Paul Fennelly outlines his department's role in supporting the Research & Development sector and attracting high-technology industries and researchers to Queensland. He comments on the success that university vice-chancellors enjoyed in lobbying the Beattie Government. He states that this 'innovation' agenda was driven by Premier Beattie who enjoyed close links with research industry figures.
Peter Andrews describes the competitive rivalry between Queensland and Victoria to establish areas of research excellence, and how Premiers Peter Beattie and Steve Bracks respectively pursued this agenda simultaneously. He tells how this rivalry was viewed among the scientific and research communities.
Peter Andrews describes the interest of state government in supporting scientific research in Queensland. Beginning with the Ahern Government, he details how subsequent Premiers lent varying levels of support to the state's research sector.
Peter Andrews talks about the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Brian Wilson, and how his moves in the early 1990s to establish new research centres and institutes laid the groundwork for later investments at the University of Queensland. He lists some of the eminent researchers attracted to the University by initiatives in Wilson's time.
John Hay discusses funding of the University's research institutes. He comments on the matching of funds by the state and federal governments and the restructuring of the University that was required following the injection of these funds.
Peter Coaldrake discusses the process of writing Working the System and how he interviewed a number of Bjelke-Petersen Government ministers. He discusses his role as a media commentator.
Mal Grierson describes the Smart State strategy. He notes the influence of Peter Coaldrake and Glyn Davis, both out of the university system, upon the Beattie strategy. He describes the academic sector and its influence in securing funding from governments.
Jim Soorley describes his impressions of the Beattie Government's Smart State strategy, and how it impacted upon Brisbane and the BCC. He notes the beginnings of government interest in research investment in medical institutes and universities.
