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
Ontario Advanced Network First to Launch Operational 100G Network
ORION, Ontario’s advanced research and education (R&E) network, recently announced the first phase of a major technology upgrade, making it the first to deploy a 100G operational network in Canada and the first R&E network in the world to deploy a 100G production network to support research and education. The $6.5 million project is made possible with a contribution of $4.8 million from CANARIE, Canada’s advanced research and innovation network, and a further $1.7 million investment from ORION. For ORION, the project is a first phase of a major upgrade of the entire network infrastructure, which spans the province along more than 5,800 kilometers of fibre. It is part of ORION’s strategy to build on the network foundation as Ontario’s enabling innovation backbone, with greater capacity to support research and commercialization, advanced teaching and learning, public and private sectors partnerships and global-scale science and research collaborations.
The Government of Canada Launches Innovation Commercialization Program
The Government of Canada is offering to be the guinea pig for new products and services developed by Canadian entrepreneurs. The New program is part of Ottawa’s $40-million Canadian Innovation Program, which is designed to help small businesses bring new products and service to market by first testing them within the government. To qualify, products and services need to fall under one of four categories: environment, health, safety and security or enabling technologies.
New York Nanotech Centers Merge
Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) have announced the merger of two of New York State’s nanotechnology centers. The Infotonics Technology Center (ITC) in Canandaigua and the Center of Excellence in Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) in Albany, N.Y. have merged. ESD and NYSTAR will invest up to $10 million to the merged operation-dubbed the Smart System Technology & Commercialization Center (STC)-which will be managed and supported by CNSE. This merger will position CNSE as a “one-stop-shop” for smart systems’ device development and process manufacturing. The CNSE includes the Albany NanoTech Complex. It houses a 300-mm chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line.
Editor's Pick
Turning Europe into a True Innovation Union
European Commission
This memo sets out a strategic approach to innovation, driven by the highest political level. The Innovation Union will focus Europe’s efforts – and co-operation with third countries – on challenges like climate change, energy and food security, health and an ageing population. It will use public sector intervention to stimulate the private sector and to remove bottlenecks which stop ideas reaching the market. These include lack of finance, fragmented research systems and markets, under-use of public procurement for innovation and slow standard setting. The Innovation Union is a “flagship” in the Europe 2020 Strategy.
Innovation Policy
Trade, Innovation and Prosperity
The Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity
This new research shows how international trade can raise Ontario’s and Canada’s innovation capabilities to strengthen their competitiveness and future prosperity. Canada and Ontario should continue expanding international trade as part of their efforts to enhance our innovation performance, which will lead to higher prosperity. This applies to trade with advanced economies like the European Union and developing economies like China and the other BRICs. People may be concerned that exposing Canada to greater imports from low-wage countries opens our economy to serious challenges, but the evidence indicates that industries operating on the basis of high value products and services and creativity will compete effectively.
Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators: Identifying and Developing the US’s Human Capital
National Science Board
This report calls for a new National Science Foundation research agenda to identify and develop the next generation of STEM innovators. The board developed a STEM agenda built on findings from a two-year study on math, science and engineering education in the U.S. The report provides recommendations that are intended to help set funding priorities at NSF for STEM education in the coming years. Overall, the board’s report encourages policymakers to view STEM and innovation issues as integral to the national discussion on education.
Cities, Clusters & Regions
City of Cleveland
On June 22, 1969 the eyes of the world turned to Cleveland. That moment of attention triggered a mind shift across the US and around the world. The infamous Cuyahoga River fire did two things – it tragically tarnished Cleveland’s reputation, but more importantly, it generated the Clean Water Act and mobilized the modern environmental movement. 50 years later in 2019 – when the world looks to Cleveland for a sensational retrospective of the fire – like a phoenix reborn from the fire, Cleveland has the opportunity to surprise, amaze, and inspire the world with its transformation to a bright green city on a blue lake. The ambition of this strategy and action guide is to catalyze action throughout the city. It is a path to transform Cleveland’s economic foundations into healthy fertile soil that will create the conditions for health, wealth, and prosperity for all.
Innovation in the North of England: Drivers, Progress and Prospects
Beth Perry, SURF Center, University of Salford
This briefing paper has been produced as part of The Northern Way research program which is managed by the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies at the University of Newcastle. The paper is one of a series of papers that seek to map existing knowledge in critical policy areas for the North of England (NoE) and consider the relationships between global geopolitical, economic, social and ecological “turning points” and bottom-up policy developments. This paper is concerned with the role of innovation as a driver of productivity and regional growth. In line with recent theoretical debates over the changing nature of
innovation as a process and policy area, a broad understanding of innovation is adopted, which encompasses a wide set of interventions linked to a systemic understanding of the relationship between science, technology, innovation (STI) and socio-economic development within regions and cities. The overall aim of the paper is to synthesise the existing evidence and analyze the potential short-, medium- and long-term consequences of external factors, with a view to informing ongoing strategic priority-setting for The Northern Way for the period 2011 onwards.
Statistics & Indicators
CONNECT Innovation Report – Q3 2009
CONNECT San Diego
The CONNECT Innovation Report (CIR) is the first to provide an economic indicator of the strength and impact of the innovation economy in San Diego. Published each quarter by CONNECT, San Diego’s technology and life sciences accelerator, the Report includes: New innovation start-ups; Venture capital investment; Mergers and acquisition activity; New patent applications and patents granted; Research grants; and Research employment and wages. Statewide, San Diego accounted for 13% of new technology businesses in the third quarter of 2009 ranking third after Los Angeles (LA) and Santa Clara counties. LA had 105 start-ups, down from 140 in the previous quarter, and Santa Clara had 100, down from 117 new companies.
Business Innovation Statistics
National Science Foundation
Preliminary data from the National Science Foundation’s 2008 Business R&D and Innovation Survey (BRDIS) provide a map of the incidence of innovation by businesses located in the United States. These data are based on respondents to the survey and represent an estimated 1.5 million for-profit companies, publicly or privately held, with 5 or more employees, active in the United States in 2008.The new data indicate that in the period 2006–08 about 22% of the manufacturing companies introduced product innovations (one or more new or significantly improved good or service) and about 22% introduced process innovations (one or more new or significantly improved method for manufacturing or production; logistics, delivery, or distribution; support activities). In comparison, about 8% of companies in the nonmanufacturing sector were product innovators and 8% were process innovators. Nonetheless, much higher innovation incidences are observed in the manufacturing subsectors of chemicals, computer/electronic products, and electrical equipment/appliances/components, and in some parts of the nonmanufacturing sectors of information and professional/scientific/technical services. Further, the BRDIS data indicate that companies that perform and/or fund R&D have a far higher incidence of innovation than do companies without any R&D activity.
Policy Digest
Managing University Intellectual Property in the Public Interest
Stephen Merrill and Anne-Marie Mazza, National Research Council
Thirty years ago federal policy underwent a major change through the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, which fostered greater uniformity in the way research agencies treat inventions arising from the work they sponsor. Before the Act, if government agencies funded university research, the funding agency retained ownership of the knowledge and technologies that resulted. However, very little federally funded research was actually commercialized. As a result of the Act’s passage, patenting and licensing activity from such research has accelerated. Although the system created by the Act has remained stable, it has generated debate about whether it might impede other forms of knowledge transfer. Concerns have also arisen that universities might prioritize commercialization at the expense of their traditional mission to pursue fundamental knowledge–for example, by steering research away from curiosity-driven topics toward applications that could yield financial returns. To address these concerns, the National Research Council convened a committee of experts from universities, industry, foundations, and similar organizations, as well as scholars of the subject, to review experience and evidence of the technology transfer system’s effects and to recommend improvements. The present volume summarizes the committee’s principal findings and recommendations.
Key Findings
1. The first goal of university technology transfer involving IP is the expeditious and wide dissemination of the technology for the public good. This goal is squarely within the research university’s core missions of discovery, learning and the promotion of social well-being.
2. The transition of knowledge into practice takes place through a variety of mechanisms including (but not limited to): the movement of highly skilled students; publication of research results; personal interactions; contract research; university-industry research centers; consulting; spin offs; and licensing.
3. The system put in place by the Bayh-Dole Act (university ownership of inventions from publicly funded research and latitude in exercising the associated IP rights) is unquestionably more effective than its predecessor system.
4. The Bayh-Dole legal framework and the practices of universities have not seriously undermined academic norms of uninhibited inquiry, open communication, or faculty advancement based on scholarly merit.
5. A persuasive case has not been made for converting to an inventor ownership system.
6. Nevertheless, successful commercialization often depends on the active engagement of the inventor and, in some cases, their playing a lead role.
Recommendations for Improving the System of University IP Managment
Institutional Technology Transfer Mission and Principles
- The leadership of each institution should articulate a clear mission for the unit responsible for IP management, convey it to internal and external stakeholders and evaluate it accordingly;
Involvement of Stakeholders
- Universities with sizeable research portfolios should consider creating a standing advisory committee composed of members of the faculty and administration; representatives of other business development units; members of the relevant business and investment communities; and local economic development officials.
Organizational Guidelines and the Use of External Resources
- Expose technology licensing units to the broader issues involved in financing and conducting research. Locate the technology transfer office in proximity and make it accountable to the university’s research management.
- Smaller institutions and those with less experience should consider the following options for technology transfer policies and practices: (a) permitting greater outreach by faculy who have the experience and inclination to pursue entrepreneurial development of their ideas; (b) inter-institutional agreements; (c) outsourcing certain functions to private entities with the appropriate skills and contacts.
Patenting, Licensing and Enforcement Practices
- Universities should pursue patenting and licensing practices that, to the greatest extent practicable, maximize the further development, use and beneficial social impact of their technologies.
Facilitating Materials Transfer
- To facilitate the exchange of scientific materials among investigators research sponsors should explicity encourage and monitor compliance with requests for materials.
Launching New Start-Up Enterprises
- Universities engaged in licensing technologies to a new enterprise should ensure that a process is in place to secure IP protection but also for evaluating whether the technology is more appropriate for development and commercialization by a start-up;
- Universities seeking to encourage entrepreneurship should consider instituting an expidited procedure and more standardized terms for licensing university-generated technology to start-ups formed by faculty.
Relations with Private Research Sponsors
- University technology licensing and sponsored research offices should explore relationships with private research sponsors that promise to obviate the often protracted process of negotiating licensing terms.
Ensuring Evaluation and Accountability
- Universities should periodically review the operations of their technology transfer offices in a manner similar to the evaluation of academic and administrative units;
- Principal university and professional organizations and federal science agencies should coordinate efforts to develop a more balanced set of measures of total university knowledge exchange with the private sector to improve understanding of the process and its performance;
- There should be a clear assignment of federal government oversight responsibilties;
- Federal research agencies should reinvigorate the requirement tha institutions reliably and consistently provide data to iEdison on the utilization of federally-funded inventions.
Events
Triple Helix in the Development of Cities of Knowledge, Expanding Communities and Connecting Regions
Madrid, Spain, 20-22 Oct, 2010
Innovation is understood as a resultant of a complex and dynamic process related to interactions between University, Industry and Government, in a spiral of endless transitions. The Triple Helix approach, developed by Henry Etzkowitz and Loet Leydesdorff, is based on the perspective of University as a leader of the relationship with Industry and Government, to generate new knowledge, innovation and economic development. The main theme of our conference is “Triple Helix in the Development of Cities of Knowledge, Expanding Communities and Connecting Regions”.
Entrepreneurship and Community: 26th Annual CCSBE Conference
Calgary, 28-30 October, 2010
The theme this year is Entrepreneurship and Community. We are seeking to explore the multifaceted impact entrepreneurs and small businesses have on their communities through their new ventures, business and community outreach. There is growing recognition by policy makers, members of society, business leaders and youth, that creative approaches are needed to address environmental, economic, and societal issues. The conference program highlights the research, educational methods, and community practices pertaining to venture sustainability and social entrepreneurship. In support of the theme we have attracted an array of plenary and guest speakers, and developed workshops which will contribute to the dialogue.
Reshaping Europe: Addressing Societal Challenges Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Liege, Belgium, 27-29 October, 2010
Over the past couple of years, Europe, and the rest of the world, has faced an unprecedented crisis affecting all sectors of the economy. The crisis and the recovery that is now taking place in most Member States provide experiences that can be used to reshape Europe and to ensure that it is stronger and better prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. The Europe 2020 Strategy is designed to improve the business environment. It is vital that this environment offers the framework conditions to turn ideas into products and services more quickly and easily, whilst addressing environmental concerns and making efficient use of resources. At this important turning point, the Europe INNOVA conference will provide a timely opportunity to determine how innovation policy and innovation support can help Europe and its enterprises, both large and small, to best face these challenges.The conference will unite the Europe INNOVA Community with key innovation stakeholders from the worlds of politics, academia and business. Together they will discuss three approaches that are crucial if Europe is to respond to the societal challenges with which it is currently confronted.
Making Innovation Work for Society: Linking, Leveraging and Learning GLOBELICS 8th Annual Conference
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1-3 November, 2010
Global Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (GLOBELICS) is an international network of scholars who apply the concept of “learning, innovation, and competence building system” (LICS) as their framework and are dedicated to the strengthening of LICS in developing countries, emerging economies and societies in transition. The research aims at locating unique systemic features as well as generic good practices to enlighten policy making relating to innovation, competence building, international competitiveness, regional development, labour market and human capital development. In an increasingly global and knowledge‐based competition, management strategies need to be based upon an understanding of these framework conditions and the public policies which seek to regulate the environment.
The Entrepreneurial University and thte Academic Enterprise
Washington, DC, 12-13 November, 2010
The theme of the 2010 conference is The Entrepreneurial University and the Academic Enterprise. Conference presentations should focus on the potential commonalities and/or conflicts of interests among government, university, and industry participants in technology transfer. The sessions will emphasize also the assessment of technology transfer activities, especially how to examine the objectives and processes of technology transfer activities (beyond the immediate needs of the participants), including both formal and informal transfer mechanisms (Link, Siegel & Bozeman, 2007; Abreu et al, 2008). Special focus will be placed on papers which evaluate the aspects of academicuniversity research relationships beyond their immediate outputs (Georghiou & Roessner, 2000; Vonortas & Spivack, 2005, Carayannis and Provance, 2007), including intellectual property issues (Feller & Feldman, 2009), modes of commercialization (Kenney & Patton, 2009), and economic impact (Roberts & Easley, 2009).
Knowledge Cities World Summit 2010
Melbourn, Australia, 16-19 November, 2010
‘Knowledge’ is a resource, which relies on the past for a better future. In the 21st century, more than ever before, cities around the world rely on the knowledge of their citizens, their institutions, their firms and enterprises. Knowledge assists in attracting investment, qualified labour, students and researchers. Knowledge also creates local life spaces and professional milieus, which offer quality of life to the citizens who are seeking to cope with the challenges of modern life in a competitive world. This conference will offer a range of innovative presentation formats aimed at facilitating interaction and accessibility for all members of the Knowledge Summit community. The Summit will attract a range of multidisciplinary participants including: practitioners, managers, decision and policy makers of non-government organisations, technology solution developers, innovators, urban planners, urban designers and developers, academics, researchers and postgraduate students.
Liverpool, UK, 18-19 November, 2010
First established in 2002 this annual conference has developed into a renowned international event in which incubators, science parks, investors, universities, governmental organizations and industry discuss and evaluate their strategy on how best to support young start-ups on the road to succes. Be a part of this inspiring event!
Calgary, 25-26 November, 2010
The companies worst hit in western Canada during the recession tended to be those with undifferentiated products with many competitors, where price competition became severe. By contrast, the companies who did reasonably well tended to have unique products and fewer competitors. InnoWest 2010 tells the story of some of these companies, and how innovation helped them to live through the recession relatively unscathed, and position themselves for growth in the recovery. InnoWest 2010 will not focus on the very large companies [such as Suncor] or on very small companies [for example, a 10 employee company] but will focus on the large middle ground where the bulk of Canada’s GDP is generated. Keynote speakers include Sir Terry Matthews.
Ottawa, 5-7 December, 2010
Globally, innovation is recognized as the driving force towards lasting sustainable prosperity in the coming decades. The federal government’s S&T strategy promotes action to grow the translation of knowledge into commercial applications that generate wealth for Canadians and support a high quality of life. We have the opportunity to build a world-class innovation ecosystem in Canada. The challenge is to foster increased partnerships and collaboration among public, academic and private sectors to ensure we improve knowledge mobilization and commercialization for world-class next generation products and services. In keeping with these challenges and opportunities, ACCT Canada, Federal Partners in Technology Transfer (FPTT) and the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) are pleased to present their first national joint conference on innovation and competitiveness in Canada: INNOVATION 2010.
Managing the Art of Innovation: Turning Concepts into Reality
Quebec City, 12-15 December, 2010
Organized by ISPIM in collaboration with local partner INO, a leading non-profit R&D center in Optics/Photonics in Canada, 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 French Canadian culture.
CALL FOR PAPERS – DRUID/DIME Academy Winter Conference
Aalborg, Denmark, 20-22 January, 2011
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.
Woods Hole, MA, 15-18 May, 2011
Applications are sought from teachers and researchers who are interested in moving beyond their current disciplinary and academic boundaries to explore concepts and practices that help us work in the arena bordered on one side by critical interpretation of the directions taken by scientific and technological research and application and on the other side by organizing social movements so as to influence those directions. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a manuscript or sketch related to the workshop topic that would be read by others before the workshop and be subject to focused discussion during the workshop. There is also room for participants to develop–either before or during the workshop–activities or interactive presentations to engage the other participants.
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This newsletter is prepared by Jen Nelles.
Project manager is David A. Wolfe.