The Smart State Strategy is the Queensland Government’s signature policy to create a Smart State: a state where knowledge, creativity and innovation can flourish.

The Smart State Strategy 2008-2012 signals a change in direction for the government’s Smart State investment program.

Over the last decade, the government has invested strongly in education and training reforms, research and development infrastructure and broadening the state’s industry base. In that time, $3.4 billion was invested in R&D and innovation, resulting in 36 new research institutes and creating 60 000 jobs in industries such as aviation, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and creative industries.

Having laid this solid foundation, it’s time to invest more in our people, to make the most of our research infrastructure.

The highlight of the 2008 strategy is a trebling of investment in people including:

• $23.3 million to attract and retain some of the brightest minds in science and industry through the Innovation Skills Fund
• $25 million to attract leading clinical researchers via the Health and Medical Research Program.

Download the full strategy document (PDF, 422 kb)