CQU Professor of Management Paul Hyland has welcomed the release of the Smart State Council report on characteristics of smart regions.

Professor Hyland, whose comments were published in a newspaper supplement this week, said the report’s conclusions match his own findings that innovation is the primary source of competitive advantage for economies.

“This is highly relevant to the Central Queensland region,” Professor Hyland said.

"The message is the most prosperous and fastest-growing regions are home to highly successful, competitive industries which are linked with local innovative capacity".

Central Queensland companies took advantage of the third annual Festival of Innovation in Rockhampton this week.

“A series of renowned national and international speakers showcased innovations that illustrate the opportunities for improved business practices and the benefits of adopting new technology,” Professor Hyland said.

Central Queensland University is involved in some of Europe’s top business innovation projects.

CQU Rockhampton is attracting research students from overseas specialising in this area.

Prof Hyland and other CQU researchers have presented several papers recently on their Australian and international research on innovation at the 7th International Continuous Innovation Network Conference in Lucca, Italy.