Big Idea Competition Looks to Shared Values
7 June 2016 at 10:17 am
The Australian Futures Project has launched the My Big Idea competition, described as a world-first initiative to spark a national conversation about Australia’s future based on shared values and creating positive change.
The Not for Profit think-tank said the My Big Idea competition was open to Australians to share their ideas using an internet platform and online voting.
A judging panel will then select 10 winning ideas from the top 100 ideas as voted by the public. The 10 winners will be invited to work with a My Big Idea partner university, company, or Not for Profit to further develop their idea.
Executive director of the Australian Futures Project Ralph Ashton said extensive research had revealed that Australians wanted a different kind of society from what they are currently experiencing.
“My Big Idea has used a proven methodology to understand what values Australians hold dear for the future of their country. Through our 2016 National Values Assessment (over 1,000 people surveyed), we have found that Australians are not seeing Australian society reflecting their values,” Ashton said.
“On a ‘personal values’ level, our 2016 National Values Assessment reveals the values of caring, family, honesty and friendship are vitally important to Australians. This shows a significant focus around people and meaningful relationships – beyond self-interest. On a ‘cultural values’ level, in addition to economic growth and effective government, Australians want better care for the elderly and the disadvantaged, increased accountability and affordable housing.
“Australians are clearly measuring society’s success against values important to them and not just on headline economic growth data or the status of the budget deficit – and they are feeling a disconnect.
“My Big Idea brings to life the conversations we are having about Australia’s future with family, friends, and colleagues – over dinner, at work, and in the pub. My Big Idea helps Australians turn values into ideas and action.”
The Australian Futures Project has partnered with the Foundation for Young Australians, La Trobe University, Pollenizer, the University of New South Wales, Amazon Web Services, AT Kearney, Macquarie Group, the University of Technology Sydney, Virgin Australia, News Corp Australia, and Channel Seven.
Big Ideas can be submitted online until 3 August 2016.
