September 18, 2009
The Bligh Government has launched a $1.1 million initiative to generate local innovation by teaming successful Queensland designers with selected businesses.
Under the program, the creative pairings are encouraged to embrace the power of good design and transfer ideas into sought after products and services.
Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser says the new program, Ulysses, is the cornerstone of the Government's 2009-2010 creative industries program.
"This program will transform the way business potential is realised in Queensland by using the power of good design to turn ideas into commercially viable products," Fraser says.
"Internationally, it's becoming clear that good design can transform that single bright idea into a successful, smart product in great demand in the global marketplace," he says.
Fraser notes the Cox ride-on mower as a great example of the transformative power of design.
"Under pressure from international competitors, local company Cox Industries employed Brisbane design company CMD to contribute to their design process," he says.
"The result? The award-winning Cox Stockman ride on mower is set to become a best seller - blitzing the big boys in a competitive market.
"In the case of ride-on mowers, designers know that it's not just about cutting grass - it's about look and feel, comfort, safety and efficiency. It's design that makes the difference.”
The Ulysses program is designed to give products and services a competitive edge, regardless of industry.
Successful Queensland designers will be matched with selected businesses, working with them from the ground up to improve their products or services.
Delivered by QMI Solutions, the pilot program will run until June 2012 and involve 15 companies.
Fraser says Queensland's creative industries sector - including design, music, writing, fashion and architecture - is worth $3.4 billion a year and provides 74,000 jobs across the state.
"This new design program is just one of the Government's targeted initiatives designed to grow this high-energy, high-value sector," he says.
"In the past four years, the Queensland Government has garnered more than $80 million in return on its investment in the creative industries.
"Through our programs, we'll continue to improve the business skills of Queensland's creative businesses, and encourage creativity and innovation across the economy."