John Strano discusses the relationship of corporate philanthropy and the Smart State strategy. He notes that as part of the investment unit that he worked in he set up the venture capital team. He recalls Peter Beattie taking part in the Australian venture capital conference. He notes that the Bligh Government has now abandoned the venture capital team along with the Smart State branding.

John Strano discusses the Smart State by noting that a lot of the thinking and push for the branding came from the university sector. He details the influence of universities upon the encouragement for biotechnology. He goes on to detail the outcomes of this policy that many strategists did not consider, largely that biotech had very different flow on effects for the economy compared to IT.

John Strano notes that Borbidge and Beattie had a very good relationship. He notes examples in the transition to the Beattie Government when investment deals still went ahead. He describes the importance of early investment projects, such as with Boeing, that led to Queensland being the Smart State before being labeled thus.

Jim Fouras reflects on the Beattie Government, particularly the Smart State initiative.

Craig Sherrin discusses Beattie's Smart State initiative, lauding its focus on education and skills, and comments on Bligh's Q2 program, which he sees as less successful.