News from the IPL
INTRODUCTION
This newsletter is published by The Innovation Policy Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, and sponsored by the Ministry of Research and Innovation. The views and ideas expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Ontario Government.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Government of Canada Supports Nine New National Strategic Research Networks
Safer drinking water, better treatments for vision loss, faster cancer diagnoses and more accurate earthquake predictions are among the goals of nine Strategic Research Networks announced recently by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) provides $45 million in funding to these networks over five years. These networks will support research priority areas such as environmental science and technologies, natural resources and energy, health and related life sciences and technologies, and information and communications technologies. Each Strategic Research Network will receive $5 million over five years through NSERC. They were selected through a peer-reviewed competition and support the research priorities areas identified in the Government of Canada’s Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy.
Canada-US Collaboration on Automotive Clean Energy R&D Initiative
In February 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama established the Clean Energy Dialogue to identify ways both countries can jointly develop clean energy solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and to combat climate change. Recently the Canadian and U.S. governments announced that they are collaborating on a joint automotive initiative. Given the shared marketplace, both governments have identified the potential for working more closely together in research and technology developments that underlie the fuel efficient vehicles that Canadians and Americans want to buy. The initiative is led in Canada by NSERC, on behalf of all the partners in Automotive Partnership Canada, and in the U.S. by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. This joint venture brings together Canadian academics, government researchers and industrial partners with their counterparts in the U.S. in the funding of research and development projects.
Editor's Pick
Knut Koschatzky, Fraunhofer ISI
This paper deals with two major dilemmas in regional innovation policy making: The dilemma that theory does not provide sufficient answers for the formulation of specific innovation policy measures addressing the problem configurations of single regions and the dilemma that role models are used as a substitute for orientation. In order to support policy learning, different approaches like evaluation, the development of innovation strategies and regional foresight are discussed.
Innovation Policy
OECD
Innovation is a driving force of welfare and contributes to increasing the standard of living. This work addresses new forms of innovation taking place in the private sector – within companies as well as between companies. A public perspective is taken by exploring the policy implications of a new nature of innovation. The work and the assumptions on which it rests have been discussed with both innovation experts and policymakers around the world. The purpose of the discussion has been to test
hypothises as well as collect most recent policy experience. A new nature of innovation is emerging and reshaping public policy. Economic and financial stability is fundamentally important. Stabilizing macro policies and efficient markets will still be decisive for economic development, but will no longer be sufficient to ensure welfare and meet threatening global challenges. In the innovation economy, a more responsive public sector and a comprehensive set of micro policies are central in order to reap the benefits from a new nature of innovation.
Putting Science and Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy
House of Commons, Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee
This inquiry brought together several policy strands that have been of longstanding interest to this Committee and the former Science and Technology Committee. It also proved to be timely in two respects. First, at the January 2009 Science Question Time, the Science Minster, the Rt Hon Lord Drayson, launched a debate about strategic priorities in science funding. He noted that other countries were making “strategic choices” regarding their economic priorities and he argued that the UK needs to have a “hard-nosed look at where we have real strategic advantage”. The nature of this debate, its content and purpose, has caused a stir in the science and engineering community. The committee seized on the opportunity to contribute to that debate in this report. Second, just prior to the publication of this report the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the home of science and engineering for two years, was closed down. It was merged with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to create a super-department, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The potential implications of these changes to the machinery of Government make the timing of this report all the more important as it makes a case for putting science and engineering at the heart of government policy.
Digital Media Content Creation Technology Roadmap
Centre for Public Management Inc.
This document presents the results from Phase 1 of a Technology Roadmap (TRM) process for Digital Media Content Creation (DMCC) in Canada. The objectives of Phase I of the DMCC TRM were to identify a set of high priority technology projects that
would assist Canadian Digital Media content creators in meeting future market demands; and to identify related skills development issues and how they could be addressed.
John Aubrey Douglass and Richard Edelstain, UC Berkeley
There is growing evidence that students throughout the world no longer see the US as the primary place to study; that in some form this correlates with a rise in perceived quality and prestige in the EU and elsewhere; and further, that this may mean a continued decline in the US’s market share of international students. There clearly are a complex set of variables that will influence international education and global labour markets, including the current global economic recession. Ultimately, however, this paper argues that these factors will not alter the fundamental dynamics of the new global market, which include these facts: the international flow of talent, scientific or otherwise, is being fundamentally altered as nations invest more in educational attainment and human capital; the US will continue to lose some of its market share over time — the only question is how quickly and by how much; and without a proactive strategy, nations such as the US that are highly dependent on global in-migration of talented students and professionals are most vulnerable to downward access to global talent, with a potentially significant impact on future economic growth. This study provides data on past and recent global trends in international enrolment, and offers a set of policy recommendations for the US at the federal, state, and institutional level. This includes our recommendation of a national goal to double the number of international students in the US over the next decade to match numbers in a group of competitor nations, and requires recognition that the US will need to strategically expand its enrolment capacity and graduation rates to accommodate needed increases in the educational attainment rate of US citizens, and to welcome more international students. Attracting talent in a global market and increasing degree attainment rates of the domestic population are not mutually exclusive goals. Indeed, they will be the hallmarks of the most competitive economies.
The Six Kinds of Canadian SMES: Competing to Win in Tough Times
Karl Moore and William C. Polushin
Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to Canada’s economic prosperity. When discussing this economic subsector, though, we need to go beyond the one-size-fits-all approach, particularly as it pertains to those companies that are active in international business. Based on their research and consulting work in the Canadian SME community over the past 15 years, the authors have identified six distinct types of SMEs that engage in trade. In this article they outline the six types and propose strategies for them to stay competitive on the international front during and after the current recession.
Cities, Clusters & Regions
Tolerance, Amenities and Economic Systems: Regional Development of the Knowledge Economy
Mitchell Reardon, NORDREGIO
Development of knowledge economies at the regional level is viewed as an important area for continued economic growth and has been designated to be of great significance as part of the EU’s Lisbon Strategy. This study examines how regional development of the knowledge economy can be stimulated. Through a review of the most pertinent contemporary theories – the Creative Class, Skilled Cities and Local Production Systems theories – the paper surveys the risks and rewards of various strategies regarding the development of regional knowledge economies
Statistics & Indicators
Science, Technology and Innovation in Europe, 2009
Eurostat
The statistics and indicators in this publication focus primarily on the 27 EU Member States and EFTA countries and measures and compares: investment on R&D, knowledge workers, and productivity and competitiveness. Candidate countries are also considered whenever data are available. To allow comparisons with the rest of the world, data for China, Japan and the United States are presented where possible. This publication also provides a regional analysis of the situation within the EU Member States. The data
presented reflect the information available at Eurostat as of 1 January 2008. (Revisions after this date have been included where
necessary.)
World University Rankings 2009
Times Higher Education
The US domination of the top ranks of global higher education is not as strong as it has been in previous years. The Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009 show that institutions in Asian countries such as Hong Kong and Japan are growing in stature. Although Harvard University is still ranked number one in the table of the world’s top 200 universities – for the sixth consecutive year – American supremacy seems to be slipping. While the US still has by far the most institutions in the top 200, with a total of 54, it has lost five institutions from the top 100 and four have dropped out of the top 200 altogether. The country’s decline comes amid improved showings by institutions in Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Malaysia.
Measuring User Innovation in Canadian Manufacturing, 2007
Statistics Canada
This working paper provides some metrics for the measurement of user innovation. It explains what is meant by user innovation and provides background on its measurement at Statistics Canada, drawing attention to some more influential work. Challenges to the measurement of user innovation are presented. Details on the survey methodology and survey findings, measurement issues and some lessons learned from the survey will be discussed. The paper concludes by presenting contributions of this study to understanding user innovation.
Federal Life Sciences Funding and University R&D
Margaret E Blume-Kohout, Krishna B Kumar, and Neeraj Sood, NBER
Federal spending on R and D spurs funding from the private sector and from state and local governments. In this paper the researchers estimate that a one dollar increase in federal funding leads to a 33-cent increase in non-federal funding at U.S. universities. This may be because the non-federal funders interpret successful applications for federal funding as a signal of quality. There is a greater increase in non-federal funding per federal dollar received among those universities that do not grant Ph.D.s, among lower ranked universities, and among universities that have historically received less funding – institutions for which the signalling value of receiving federal funding may be greater.
Policy Digest
A Strategy for Amercian Innovation: Driving Towards Sustainable Growth and Quality Jobs
Executive Office of the President, National Economic Council Office fo Science and Technology Policy
Since taking office, President Obama has taken historic steps to lay the foundation for the innovation economy of the future. The Obama Innovation Strategy builds on well over $100 billion of Recovery Act funds that support innovation, additional support for education, infrastructure and others in the Recovery Act and the President’s Budget, and novel regulatory and executive order initiatives. It seeks to harness the inherent ingenuity of the American people and a dynamic private sector to ensure that the next expansion is more solid, broad-based, and beneficial than previous ones. It focuses on critical areas where sensible, balanced government policies can lay the foundation for innovation that leads to quality jobs and shared prosperity. The white paper has three parts:
1. Invest in the Building Blocks of American Innovation
It is important to ensure that the economy is given all the necessary tools for successful innovation, from investments in research and development to the human, physical, and technological capital needed to perform that research and transfer those innovations.
- Restore American leadership in fundamental research. President Obama implemented the largest increase in basic R&D in history, which will lay the foundation for new discoveries and new technologies that will improve our lives and create the industries of the future;
- Educate the next generation with 21st century knowledge and skills while creating a world-class workforce. President Obama has proposed initiatives to dramatically improve teaching and learning in K-12 education, expand access to higher education and training, and promote student achievement and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields;
- Build a leading physical infrastructure. Through the Recovery Act, the President has committed to a historic investment in our nation’s roads, bridges, transit, and air transportation networks to connect our people and our businesses;
- Develop an advanced information technology ecosystem. For America to lead the world in the technologies of the future, President Obama believes that all Americans must have affordable 21st century access to the Internet.
2. Promote Competitive Markets that Spur Productive Entrepreneurship
It is imperative to create a national environment ripe for entrepreneurship and risk taking that allows U.S. companies to be internationally competitive in a global exchange of ideas and innovation. Through competitive markets, innovations diffuse and scale appropriately across industries and globally.
- Promote American exports. Exports will play an increasingly critical role in the future of the American economy, and the President’s plans will ensure fair and open markets for American producers;
- Support open capital markets that allocate resources to the most promising ideas. Open capital markets are one of the greatest strengths of the American economy, and the President is committed to making sure these markets work.
- Encourage high-growth and innovation-based entrepreneurship. The Obama Administration believes it is essential that entrepreneurs continue to create new and vibrant businesses that lead to new jobs and economic growth;
- Improve public sector innovation and support community innovation. Innovation must occur within all levels of society, including the government itself. The Obama Administration supports the broad adoption of community innovations that work and is committed to making government perform better and more efficiently, including by working more openly.
3. Catalyze Breathroughs for National Priorities
There are certain sectors of exceptional national importance where the market is unlikely to produce the desirable outcomes on its own. These include developing alternative energy sources, reducing costs and improving lives with health IT, and manufacturing advanced vehicles. In these industries where markets may fail on their own, government can be part of the solution.
- Unleash a clean energy revolution. Historic investments in smart grid, energy efficiency, and renewable technologies like wind, solar, and biofuels will help unleash a wave of ingenuity and progress that creates jobs, grows our economy, and ends dependence on oil;
- Support advanced vehicle technologies. Record battery grants announced last month are part of a concerted effort to place the U.S. on the cutting edge of advanced vehicle technology, from electric cars to biofuels to advanced combustion;
- Drive innovations in health care technology. The President’s health IT initiative is designed to drive technological innovation that will help prevent medical errors, improve health care quality, reduce costs, and cement U.S. leadership of this emerging industry;
- Harness science and technology to address the “grand challenges” of the 21st century. The President’s commitment to science and technology will allow the United States to set and meet ambitious goals, such as educational software that is as effective as a personal tutor and smart anti-cancer therapeutics that deliver drugs only to tumor cells.
Events
Learning Clusters: 12th TCI Annual Global Conference
Jyvaskyla, Finland, 12-16 October, 2009
Can clusters be learning organizations? How can learning clusters promote competitiveness for businesses and the regional economy in times of constant change? What are the disciplines of successful and dynamic clusters in the knowledge economy and network society? The 12th TCI Annual Global Conference aims to raise awareness and stimulate discussion of these issues in order to inspire sustainable clustering actions and better futures in clusters, businesses and regions.
Creative Spaces + Places: The Collaborative City
Toronto, 28-30 October, 2009
Creative Places + Spaces is one of the world’s leading forums on creativity. Under the theme of ‘The Collaborative City’, this year’s event will engage global perspectives on collaboration and connect them with local change makers. Come meet some of the most creative thinkers in Toronto’s exploration of the art and science of collaboration.
World Class Clusters: An International Innovation Policy
Sophia Antipolis, Turkey, 5-6 November, 2009
Conference themes explore policy thinking in France, Europe and foreign countries, how to cooperate, the objectives of collaborations for innovation, and presentations from the European Cluster Alliance Project and a European Cluster Observatory roundtable.
The Summit on Transforming Service Jobs
Toronto, 16 November, 2009
Please join Mayor David Miller, City of Toronto and Richard Florida, Director, Martin Prosperity Institute, at a summit to explore the challenges and opportunities for workers in our service economy. Attend this summit to learn more about important trends in our workforce and jobs in the creative age, particularly with respect to service occupations. Hear from leaders in business, academia, and organized labour. Participate in the discussion on how we can develop a service economy agenda with leading organizations from the Toronto region.
8th Annual Incubator Conference & Award: Best Practices in Science-Based Incubation
Stockholm, Sweden, 19-20 November, 2009
The program committee under chairmanship of Mikael Hult from Innovationsbron, Sweden has constructed an inspiring program: a well-balanced mix of international recognized experts, upcoming talent and unknown jewels in the field of business incubation. This year’s conference will be chaired by Peter Harman from UKBI and will have appearances from amongst others Dinah Adkins, NBIA, USA, Wang Rong, Shanghai Technology Business Incubation Association, China, Richard White, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, R.M.P. Jawahar, ISBA, India and Heinz Fiedler, SPICE group, Germany. A special appearance this year will be made by Jan-Eric Sundgren, senior vice president of Volvo. The conference has speakers from four continents and more than 20 countries.
Edmonton, 24-25 November, 2009
Innovation is the main driver of economic growth around the world. In western Canada, innovation has created value added opportunities both in the resource sector and by the creation of new high technology enterprises. Increasing globalization has created opportunities and threats for western Canadian based companies. The financial and economic crisis has created insecurity and restructuring. At the same time, environmental issues are becoming more pressing, and innovations will be needed to solve them. But history shows that major innovations often get their start in times of turmoil. This conference will address a number of questions including how the western Canadian economy looks from a global perspective; how collaboration may create wealth; how to make industries in the area more sustainable; how other jurisdictions are addressing these challenges; and what role the government should play in stimulating innovation and sustainability.
Global Recession: Regional Impacts on Housing, Jobs, Health and Wellbeing: Call for Papers
London, UK, 27 November, 2009
In recent years, issues of health and wellbeing have come to the fore in much public debate and policymaking. These related topics appear across a number of agendas and are significant elements in employment, housing, social inclusion, and social policy fields as well as under their own strategic and delivery areas. Not only do health, health service delivery, deprivation, happiness, incomes and wealth vary across countries and national boundaries, but also there are often strong regional and indeed local and neighbourhood differences. Although there is an established and well developed research landscape in these areas, they are often bound within particular disciplines so that other related interests are unaware of their existence and relevance to their own needs. As the global economy has entered a period of prolonged recession and uncertainty, it is timely to ask questions about the implications for people’s lives and livelihoods. The Regional Studies Association Winter Conference 2009 on Health, Housing, Jobs and Wellbeing presents an opportunity to discuss and debate these issues, to establish the research requirements and to address the concerns of practitioners and policymakers. The conference is keen to attract papers and sessions which address a broad active research and policy agenda, including contributions from any discipline which can offer insights at local and regional levels.
Entrepreneurship and Growth: The Role of Policy Reforms
Washington, DC, 19-20 November, 2009
This conference will address several topics such as the causal effects of institutional, regulatory, and fiscal reforms on entrepreneurial activity; the effects of financial, operational, and management constraints on entrepreneurship and policies that help alleviate these constraints; and the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth and development.
Stimulating Recovery: The Role of Innovation Management
New York, 6-9 December, 2009
Organised by ISPIM and hosted by The Fashion Institute of Technology this symposium will bring together academics, business leaders, consultants and other professionals involved in innovation management. The symposium format will include facilitated themed sessions for academic and practitioner presentations together with interactive workshops and discussion panels. Additionally, the symposium will provide excellent networking opportunities together with a taste of local New York culture.
CALL FOR PAPERS – Innovation, Knowledge and Entrepreneurship: DRUID-DIME Academy Winter Conference
Aalborg, Denmark, 21-23 January, 2010
The conference is open for all PhD students working within the broad field of economics and management of innovation and organizational change. We invite papers aiming at enhancing our understanding of the dynamics of technological, structural and institutional change at the level of firms, industries, regions and nations. DRUID is the node for an open international network – new partners are always of interest (we of course encourage DRUID Academy PhD students and students connected to the ETIC PhD program to submit an abstract as well). Do not hesitate to apply even if you have not been in contact with DRUID previously.
CALL FOR PAPERS – Opening Up Innovation: Strategy, Organization and Innovation 
London, 16-18 June, 2010
The DRUID Summer Conference 2010 intends to explore new theoretical, empirical and methodological advances in industrial dynamics, contributing novel insights and stimulating a lively debate about how economic systems and organizations evolve. The conference will include an exciting programme of plenary debates where internationally leading scholars take stands on contemporary issues within the overall conference theme. Both senior and junior scholars are invited to participate and contribute to the conference with a paper.
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This newsletter is prepared by Jen Nelles.
Project manager is David A. Wolfe.