CEOs gather at UQ Business School

1 Sep 2008
Close to 70 CEOs gathered at UQ Business School Downtown on Friday to examine the roles of Chairs, Directors, and CEOs in fostering innovative organisations. Representing one of the world's most innovative companies, keynote speaker Glen Boreham, Managing Director IBM Australia and New Zealand, shared his insights about innovation for the 21st century. Boreham said IBM generated more patents annually than any other IT company. He said, "IBM spends big on research and development annually - more than Australia does - but discovery and invention is no longer enough." "Innovation in services is the future for developed economies, that's why IBM is working with a number of universities - including The University of Queensland - to develop degree programs that will educate multi-disciplinary 'service management' professionals." Fellow speaker Gerhard Vorster, Managing Partner (Consulting) Deloitte defined innovation as 'fresh ideas that create value' in his presentation on the duties of boards in effective innovation. The interview with legendary corporate leader James Strong AO, Chairman of Woolworths Ltd, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Rip Curl Group, and The Australia Council for the Arts, made for a reflective end to the program. Head of UQ Business School and Frank Finn Professor of Finance Tim Brailsford said the interview was a good balance to the first session of the day with Dr Adam Fraser. Brailsford said, "Adam Fraser's presentation on harnessing the benefits of 'flow' - the state where we are 'in the zone' and completely engaged and focused at work - was a high-energy start to the day." He said, "The UQ Business School CEO Summit provides an annual opportunity for senior executives from business, government, and the not-for-profit sector to learn from acknowledged leaders and network with their peers." To find out more about the CEO Summit or register your interest for 2009 please e-mail events@business.uq.edu.au].

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