The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognised Queensland as a global Advanced Manufacturing Hub, a designation that will open up key networks for Queensland manufacturers, including the forum’s Global Lighthouse Network.
Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the announcement comes after WEF officials toured the state late last year, visiting manufacturing businesses and attending industry roundtables in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba.
“Being confirmed a WEF Advanced Manufacturing Hub is a badge of honour that will open more doors internationally and generate more business for Queensland,” Mr Dick continued.
“This designation recognises our state’s manufacturing ingenuity and the global potential of our $20 billion sector and the businesses that make it.
“In partnership with WEF, we’ll look to bring together industry, universities and TAFE, government, and other key stakeholders for a series of regional roundtables, once social distancing restrictions are lifted.
“These will generate new paths of action for Queensland to accelerate the transformation of local manufacturing to advanced manufacturing.”
The WEF is an internationally recognised organisation focused on improving the world’s business sector and shaping manufacturing globally.
Innovation Minister Kate Jones the partnership with WEF will connect the state’s manufacturing sector with a global community of world-leading manufacturers, including Siemens, Bosch, Hitachi and GE Healthcare, who have successfully transformed their global operations through the introduction of advanced technologies.
“We’re investing in advanced manufacturing to create thousands more jobs for Queenslanders and to boost our economy,” Ms Jones added.
“We have a detailed strategy to invest in industries that have the best potential to create jobs in regional Queensland – advanced manufacturing is a big part of that vision.
“This is great recognition for our state – and shows that we’re a world leader in this space.”
Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Leanne Kemp, who is also Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Manufacturing, said Queensland earner this distinguished designation in part due to its high level of collaboration between all levels of government, businesses and researchers, and a unique approach to open innovation.
“We are gaining a reputation as a place where great ideas are born,” she said.
“And you see this throughout the state, we have the Queensland Government and local councils working with local companies and universities to set up innovation hubs, such as the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct – a partnership between the Queensland Government, the City of Gold Coast, Griffith University and Gold Coast Health.”
Francisco Betti, the head of WEF’s Platform for Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Production, said Queensland joins an international network of Advanced Manufacturing Hubs that includes France, Italy and the US.
“Now is a critical moment to showcase Queensland’s innovative and collaborative spirit on a global stage,” Mr Betti said.
“This will also prove an opportunity to help regional manufacturers become more competitive through advanced manufacturing technologies and business models.”
