Content
USC recognised for boosting business
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s focus on boosting knowledge-based business in the region has been recognised among its peers and industry.
USC’s creation of the thriving Innovation Centre at the Sippy Downs campus is one of 12 case studies across Australia selected for a national publication.
The ‘Partnerships @ Work’ publication was recently released by the Business/Higher Education Round Table, a top-level not-for-profit group that aims to strengthen ties between universities and industry.
With a foreword by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, the publication highlights successful case studies.
Round Table Executive Director Dr Sharon Winocur commends “these excellent examples” of effective working relationships, “demonstrating that education and research contribute to improved business performance”.
USC set up the Innovation Centre in 2002 to support the start-up and growth of knowledge-economy and technology-based businesses on the Coast and to promote interaction between these businesses and the university.
CEO Colin Graham said the centre had supported more than 55 businesses, employing 400 people, and helped businesses secure more than $20million in investment.
“I’m pleased we are included in this new publication and we’re in good company alongside the University of Melbourne and other regional universities such as Ballarat,” Mr Graham said.
“It gives us national attention which will be particularly useful as we attract more and bigger businesses.
“For example we’re currently talking to a major IT company about locating in the Business and Technology Precinct adjacent to the USC campus.”
Mr Graham said a major drawcard was the work-integrated learning programs which linked USC students and graduates with Innovation Centre businesses.
“This of course helps make USC students even more employable and boosts graduate employment outcomes,” he said.
“We’re showing that a relatively young and smaller university can still make considerable investment and effort to not only link to surrounding businesses but also grow that technology and knowledge-based sector.”
– Julie Gatehouse