Changes

Our first milestone will involve information gathering. Previously, there have been efforts made to promote innovation and entrepreneurship at UTS. It is therefore important to understand what has been previously done and the effectiveness of different strategies. This will be done through collaboration, conversations and interviews with change-makers, TD school and faculty. Additionally, students will be consulted about what marketing strategies they have found to be effective and what level of previous exposure they have had to innovation within UTS.

The second milestone will involve a gateway activity that aims to increase awareness within the student body about innovation. It will act as a 'hook' into the I&E and will be a low-commitment activity that provides basic, engaging materials, educating students on design thinking and innovation principles. We will aim to run workshops during either the Summer holidays, early in the year or during orientation and open day in order to reach new UTS students.

Following this peak in interest, we will educate students on the different I&E spaces that are available throughout the university. We will ensure that their is a range of activities advertised with differing commitment levels as time can be a barrier for students when signing up for activities. Not all students have the same needs and as such it is important to adapt and promote activities that are suited to each student.

Milestone 4 has an emphasis on building community and maintaining connections. Many students are unwilling to attend new events or try new experiences if they do not already have an established community there or are unable to convince a friend to join them. Having a strong community that is welcoming to newcomers is an important part of maintaining students in the long run. This milestone may take the form of group chats, individual outreaches and future catch ups for those who have attended the innovation spaces previously. Additionally, we will encourage TD students or past students who have been attended the workshop and to run the workshop in the future, allowing the project to run sustainably and long term.

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They say a movement begins with a leader, but history has shown us that every monumental change needs a community. The first milestone is establishing a collective force that embodies shared values to build a network of individuals with a common goal in mind. In this phase, clearly defining a common goal is important to define the impact the community would like to make. As discovered through student interviews there was a collective desire for a creative outlet where they could freely experiment, tinker, and innovate without the constant weight of exams and marks. Seeking a relaxed and inclusive environment, students want opportunities to explore and develop their design, creative, and communication skills. Furthermore, it became evident that society shares a profound concern for pressing global issues that frequently dominate headlines: climate change, carbon emissions, sustainability, and the like.

These matters have ignited a sense of urgency and responsibility among students, stakeholders, and potential industry sponsors. They recognize the pressing need for collective action to address these challenges. Consequently, the common goal must harmonise with the core values and mission of the institution, resonating with all stakeholders involved and the broader community it aims to serve. By aligning efforts as a community with this shared objective, a positive change that the world so urgently needs can be brought forth.

The next milestone on this journey is the creation of a dedicated space or event that serves as a hub for bringing people together. To achieve this, a series of diverse strategies will be employed, both physical and virtual, to connect individuals who share the community's values and passions. Central to the approach is the organisation of an engaging event that taps into common interests. We propose launching a faculty-wide, or potentially university-wide, competition. This initiative not only serves to raise awareness of critical global issues but also provides students with valuable opportunities to actively engage and expand their knowledge and skills. By igniting and nurturing their passion at this stage, we are shaping how our community members approach problems and perceive the world.

A proposed tactic to build engagement and market the event is to harness the power of social media as a channel to facilitate communication and share information quickly. With this new platform, students are able to find like-minded individuals and be notified of any upcoming events. Collaborating with existing programs such as UTS BUILD, Think Global, SOUL, WEIT, and others extends our reach and contributes to the organic growth of our community. Leveraging methods such as newsletters, email campaigns, student boards, and campus-wide advertisements will be key tactics in promoting our dedicated space and event.

With a dedicated space/event in place, students are curious and want to create change in the world. This competition challenges students to take everyday items like rubbish, pre-loved materials, and scraps and transform them into artistic masterpieces. These creations will be showcased in an exhibition accessible to industry partners and the wider public. This approach serves a dual purpose: it raises awareness of the crucial roles of engineering and art in addressing pressing environmental issues and provides an opportunity for students to strengthen their creative and technical skills.

To actively promote collaboration and education among community members, educational workshops, seminars, or guest lectures related to design thinking and sustainability can be held to support the design thinking process and develop creativity skills. These events should align with the competition's themes and the community's core goal. With this in mind, the sessions empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to approach creative projects with a sustainable mindset. An important aspect of cultivating growth is providing access to facilities on campus. Students should be encouraged to explore resources like Protospace, the mechanical and mechatronic labs, electrical labs, darkrooms, photography studios, and more. Exposure to a wide range of equipment and technical skills is crucial to building confidence and provides practical experience in a lighthearted and digestible manner. This hands-on experience not only enhances their creativity but also equips them with practical skills that can be applied in future projects and the mindset that they are capable of turning their ideas into reality.

This stage of the project is not just about creating; it's about leveraging art and engineering to drive positive change on multiple fronts. This event is not merely a showcase of artistic talent; it is also a charity auction that serves as a catalyst for positive change. All profits are donated to sustainable organisations and charities to fund critical initiatives and research efforts aimed at addressing global environmental challenges. A distinguished panel of judges comprised of faculty staff and industry sponsors adds credibility to the evaluation process. Prizes are awarded to individuals whose works exhibit exceptional creativity, innovation, and alignment with sustainability goals. This recognition not only motivates participants but also highlights their contributions to the cause.

Furthermore, the event aims to establish valuable networks and partnerships, offer educational opportunities, and create a lasting impact by nurturing a culture of sustainability and creativity. The involvement of volunteers from organizations like SOUL and student-led societies strengthens the sense of community. These volunteers not only contribute their time and efforts but also bring diverse perspectives and skills to the delivery of the project. Their participation helps foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

This milestone serves as a long-term implementation plan to incorporate the strategic priority into the core curriculum at the university. The initial launch will act as a trial period where the tactic is presented as an extracurricular competition. Working alongside student societies and faculty, the creative competition will be tailored to meet the common goal initially established by the community.

The ultimate aim is to seamlessly integrate the project's core principles into the fabric of the faculty. As the project becomes an integral part of the academic experience, its impact on students' skills, perspectives, and contributions to sustainability efforts will continue to grow. This impact can extend beyond the university, influencing how graduates approach real-world challenges. Success is measured not only by the number of students participating but also by the enduring impact it has on their education and future endeavors. Regular assessment and adaptation are key to ensuring sustained relevance and effectiveness.

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