The Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology will today launch the National Innovation Games, bringing together emerging talent from universities and the VET sector, small to medium businesses, and leading corporations in cities and regions to kick-start an inclusive innovation culture in Australia.
The National Innovation Games – a series of 30 Games to be held over the next two years – is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and delivered by the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) and Paddl Co., a startup developing new ways to better prepare business and talent for the future of work.
The series launch is taking place alongside the inaugural Games being held on the Gold Coast today, where ten local businesses and their employees are working with local tertiary students, graduates, and PhDs, in addition to Virgin Australia and other corporate partners, to develop innovative solutions to better manage waste and reduce Australia's landfill.
Paddl Co. Chief Executive Officer, Dominique Fisher describes the Games as a win-win, with participants and businesses both walking away with valuable outcomes.
"Our commitment to preparing talent for the future of work led Paddl to develop a methodology in the Innovation Games that enables students, grads and PhDs to develop skills for the future of work, such as design thinking, networking, collaboration and public presentations skills," Ms Fisher said.
"Working collaboratively with industry, participants are given the opportunity to experience the locally relevant, real-world challenges faced by employers and the role effective employees can play in solving those challenges. Some may even gain employment as a result of their participation.
"The Games are fostering and nurturing practical experience in STEM, in addition to providing a practical demonstration of the importance of STEM skills and knowledge. They are helping to build a pipeline of talent to ensure Australia remains a competitive and innovative nation." COSBOA Chief Executive Officer, Peter Strong highlighted the important connection between mainstream small and medium businesses and innovation support.
"The series commences at a time when our businesses are being challenged by an unprecedented level of change and the impact of technology. While trying to convert various opportunities to grow their businesses, owners are faced with changing consumer preferences and ever-increasing competition from internet retailers and digital service providers," Mr Strong said.
"The National Innovation Games provide small to medium businesses with new skill sets, new ways of thinking about product and service development and an opportunity to improve digital literacy for the future of work.
"Each Innovation Games focuses on a locally relevant challenge, helping business unlock innovative solutions to address the challenge, fostering growth, professional experience and IP that may lead to new products and services. The Games also provide businesses with access to the next wave of talent."
Virgin Australia is the key corporate partner for the inaugural Games on the Gold Coast. Virgin Australia CEO & Managing Director, Paul Scurrah said the airline was proud to support the launch of the National Innovation Games.
"Innovation in business is crucial to continued success and future growth, and we're really pleased to be able to support future leaders in tackling challenges and developing solutions to help local Australian businesses," Mr Scurrah said.
"Today's topic on managing waste and reducing Australia's landfill is an important issue and relevant for all businesses. As an airline, we are focused on ways to reduce our environmental impact and working with all of our suppliers on more eco-friendly solutions."
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