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
Civic Engagement and Economic Development in Canadian Cities
This one-day conference presented by the RBC Chair in Public and Economic Policy and the RBC Chair in Applied Social Work at the University of Toronto addresses civic engagement and economic development in Canadian cities. President and CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada, Gord Nixon is the keynote speaker and will reflect on the theme of civic leadership. Other speakers include Doug Henton, Chairman and CEO of Collaborative Economics Inc. speaking on regional stewards and economic innovation. Neil Bradford, Associate Professor of political science at the University of Western Ontario will address the social dynamics of economic governance in Canadian city-regions. Caroline Andrew, Professor at the School of Political Studies and Director of the Centre for Governance at the University of Ottawa will address civic governance and social inclusion in Ottawa. Finally, David Wolfe, Professor of political science and RBC Chair in Public and Economic Policy at the University of Toronto will speak about civic engagement and leadership in Toronto’s future. Registration.
NSERC Announces Canada-Germany Collaboration to Support Training Programs
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has signed an agreement with the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, the German Research Foundation) to strengthen collaboration between Canadian and German research communities. This will be accomplished by both countries jointly supporting innovative training programs for highly qualified students and postdoctoral fellows from Canada and the Republic of Germany. The agreement will allow the funding agencies to align application and funding processes, within existing budget envelopes, for NSERC’s Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Program and DFG’s International Research Training Groups (IRTG). Researchers from Canada and Germany will develop truly integrated training programs for the next generation of talented innovators and discoverers.
Editor's Pick
Ian Currie, Centre for the Study of Living Standards
This report reviews findings from the research literature on motivations for, barriers to, and determinants of university-business (U-B) research collaboration. It examines how U-B research collaboration is measured and Canada‘s international ranking. It describes public policy measures for encouraging U-B research collaboration in Canada and three reference countries – the US, the UK and Australia. Drawing on the results of this work, the report provides recommendations on how Canadian governments can strengthen their role and effectiveness as advocates, enablers, funders and rule-makers for U-B research collaboration.
Innovation Policy
Robert D. Atkinson, Stephen Ezell and Scott M. Andes, The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
U.S. competitiveness can no longer be seen as a partisan issue. Both Democrats and Republicans contribute useful recommendations that must be blended to restore U.S. competitiveness to a world-leading position. Recent research finds that the U.S. ranks 6th in overall innovation-based competitiveness and 40th, dead last, in the rate of progress made over the past decade. Yet despite the urgency of the problem, solutions are slow to come from Washington as each side of the political aisle offers different explanations for the economy’s problems. This brief reviews policy recommendations from across the political spectrum to suggest what a truly American competitiveness strategy ought to look like.
National Nanotechnology Initiative – Strategic Plan
National Science and Technology Council – Committee on Nanotechnology, subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology
As called for by the 21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act, the NNI plan is updated every three years. The February 2011 NNI Strategic Plan retains the overall vision, the four goals, and the eight program component areas outlined in the previous edition of the plan (released in December 2007). For the first time the 2011 plan includes specific objectives under each goal, outlining the concrete steps that the NNI member agencies will take toward collectively achieving the NNI vision and goals. Developed under the auspices of the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology, the plan will be used by the NNI member agencies to guide the coordination of their research, training programs, and resources. The plan benefits from and builds upon recommendations from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and the National Academies, and incorporates a broad range of stakeholder input obtained through NNI-sponsored workshops, a formal Request for Information published in the Federal Register, and the NNI Strategy Portal website
Cities, Clusters & Regions
State of the Cities in 2011: What Are Mayors Saying About Economic Development?
Caitlin Geary, CitiesSpeak.org
In various “State of the City” addresses, local leaders stressed that the best way to improve their city’s economic position is to increase investment within the city, which they admit is no easy task. Whether it’s through promoting second stage businesses, attracting new businesses to fill vacant storefronts or educating and training the city’s workforce, one common theme is that city leaders are proactively seeking and growing investment and re-evaluating economic development strategies to improve their cities’ economic condition.
Dirk Engel et. al., THe Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis
This paper evaluate the R&D enhancing effects of two large public grant schemes aimed at encouraging the performance of firms organized in clusters. These are Germany’s well known BioRegio and BioProfile contests. This analysis compares the research performance of winning regions in contrast with non-winning and non-participating comparison regions. It applies Difference-in-Difference estimation techniques in a generalized linear model framework, which allows to control for different initial regional conditions in the biotechnology related R&D activity. The econometric findings support the view that winners generally outperform non-winning participants during the treatment period, thus indicating that exclusive funding as well as the stimulating effect of being a “winner” seems to work in the short-term. In contrast, no indirect impacts stemming from a potential mobilizing effect of the contest approaches have been detected. Also, the paper finds only limited evidence for long-term effects of public R&D grants in the post-treatment period. The results of the analysis remain stable if the model is altered to account for the particular role of spatial dependence in the R&D outcome variables.
OECD Reviews of Regional Innovation: Basque Country, Spain 2011
OECD
The Basque Country region in Spain is world renowned for a successful industrial transformation, the urban regeneration of Bilbao, cultural distinctiveness, unique governance arrangements and high wealth levels. Over the last 30 years, the region has implemented its science, technology and innovation (STI) policy driven by a need to boost industrial competitiveness. The role of total factor productivity and innovation in driving growth was significant in the 1990s and declined in the early part of this decade, but appears to be on the rise again thanks in part to significant increases in public and private investment in innovation. The Basque Country has begun a transition from a model of incremental innovation in manufacturing to a model increasingly based on science and other forms of knowledge. Through a diagnostic of the innovation system and the policy mix, the review offers some policy and governance recommendations to achieve the region’s desired transition in light of global trends in the innovation process and innovation policy.
Statistics & Indicators
Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
During the Great Recession, more Americans have become entrepreneurs than at any time in the past 15 years. However, while the economy and its high unemployment rates may have pressed more individuals into business ownership, most of them are going it alone, rather than starting companies that employ others. According to this report 0.34 percent of American adults created a business per month in 2010, or 565,000 new businesses, a rate that remained consistent with 2009 and represents the highest level of entrepreneurship over the past decade and a half. In contrast, however, the quarterly employer firm rate has dropped from 0.13 percent in 2007 to 0.10 percent in 2010.
Policy Digest
Technology and Innovation Centres
UK House of Commons Science and Technology Committee
This report welcomes the recent £200 million investment for an elite network of innovation centres but raises some points about how this network should be funded and organized. It reports that an initial target of six to eight centres across the UK is sensible, with a view to widening the network of centres in the future. The sources of funding for each centre need to be carefully balanced. TICs should follow the ‘one third, one third, one third’ model used by the equivalent centres in Germany, the Fraunhofer Institutes. There are already a number of centres across the UK working on innovation and the commercialization of research, and the Committee recommends that TICs build on these facilities and the expertise contained within them.
Recommendations
Make the best of existing capabilitites
– draw on history to identify the problems with previous initaitives;
– ensure that changes in new programs do not reduce the overall spending on research and development in the regions;
– build on existing centers and expertise;
The role of Technology and Innovation Centres
– methods of internal operation should be allowed to vary between centres in order to tailor the service provision to the needs of particular industries;
– in adapting ot the needs of its sector each centre should set a clear vision, define its objectives and outline its method of operation quickly and responsively;
– the geographical location of TICs should not compromise economic objectives, an equitable regional distribution may not be possible;
– consult widely and transparently with industry and academic to ensure that the chosen candidate areas are the correct priorities;
Long-term public funding
– an initial target of 8 centres is sensible given the current funding committment;
– review funding regularly in order to increase investment in areas where the results jusify it as well as in areas of emerging technologies in which the UK has developed strengths;
– provide permanent core public funding to keep the centres innovative and give business the ongoing confidence to invest;
Access to competitive funding
– it is important that limited funding for innovation are not monopolized by the TICs and that funding is not spread too thinly;
– TICs must have mechanisms in place from the outset to enable them to apply for and access European funding;
Private sector funding
– there should be a cap on the amount of private sector funding each TIC can access in a given year, which will promote a more creative approach to innovation;
– TICs should be encouraged to consult more widely with financial organizations, including venture capital providers and banks, to ensure that there are no barriers to SME engagement;
The operational model
– the oversight committee should consist of major players – with expertise in technology commercialization and innovation – in business, academia, and from the public sector;
– a least one board member should represent small business;
– the successful launch and operation of the centres will require individuals at the top of the organization who are not only talented managers but can build bridges between business and academia;
– principles for IP management should be clear at the outset;
Assessing performance
– attaining and maintaining a “one third, one third, one third” funding model will be an important indicator of success;
– assessment measures and criteria need to be relevant to businesses as well as policy makers;
Branding and reputation
– the report recommends that the network of TICs be called “Turing Centres” and the government must ensure that the brand and reputation of the network are well managed;
Events
What Future for Cohesion Policy? An Academic and Policy Debate
Sava Hoteli Bled, Slovenia, 16-18 March, 2011
This conference, co-organized by DG Regio (European Commission, the Regional Studies Association adn the Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy, Slovenia will involve a number of invited plenary presentations, and workshop or other small group discussions.
Economic Development Young Professionals Network – Social Networking Event 
Toronto, 25 March, 2011
With the support of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO), we invite you to join us on Friday March 25th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Joe Badali’s Ristorante & Bar in Toronto for a night of networking. Come out and get to know other economic development young professionals in Ontario and expand your networking field.
Toronto, 28-29 March, 2011
Over the past year many big shifts have taken place in the telecommunications and broadcast sectors. The mergers of Shaw with CanWest, and Bell with CTV have dramatically changed the landscape. Convergence is now a reality; and the word ‘telecommunications’ is in danger of becoming redundant and being replaced with the simpler ‘communications’. Competition in this sector was also ratcheted up several notches with the introduction of the iPhone4, the iPad and other tablets, the Blackberry Torch and Android phones, underscoring the intensity of the battle between players in the mobile arena as attention increasing shifts to those devices as a key part of the future industry. In 2011, for the first time in decades, PCs will represent less than 50% of the computing devices purchased globally. Being next door to the U.S. has historically put Canada in a more challenging situation than that faced by other countries in maintaining our home grown cultural and entertainment enterprises; and the move toward internet delivery puts this entire sector – and the jobs it represents – at risk. A workable approach will need to be found, but it won’t be easy. How we respond to these challenges over the next few years will be critical in determining what direction this industry takes and even if it remains predominantly Canadian. There are myriad issues still evolving that need to be addressed and which have a direct impact on both of these sectors as they continue to converge. This conference, produced by Insight Information is a unique opportunity to take part in interactive discussions concerning the future of Canadian technology, communications, culture and entertainment. It’s one we’re sure you won’t want to miss.
TCI European Regional Cluster Conference: Inspiring Clusters in the Beginning of the New Decade
Tallinn, Estonia, 29-30 March, 2011
TCI European regional conference in 2011 will focus on how to improve the Cluster policies both on European, national and regional level and how to achieve excellence in cluster management. The conference will also provide a deeper insight into cluster development in Eastern and Central Europe being the first TCI conference in this region. In addition to the main programme of the conference, several parallel sessions will be organized based on Open Space Technology, where the participant can define the topics of their core interest and lead the discussion themselves. As an optional program visits to Estonian cluster initiatives will be organized for the interested participants. The cluster initiatives, which can be visited are in the field of ICT, Forest and Wood, Wind Energy, Creative Industries and ECO Construction. In addition also cultural program focused on Tallinn as Culutral Capital of Europe 2011 will be available.
Regional Development and Policy – Challenges, Choices and Recipients
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 17-20 April, 2011
The challenges for regional development are intensifying. Long-term factors shaping the prospects for cities and regions include the effects of climate change and new demands on energy, water and food systems. Cities also face significant demographic shifts. Rapid technological changes – captured in the notion of an emerging Knowledge Economy – will also affect cities and regions. Moreover, we are witnessing significant changes in international political economy – encapsulated by the term globalization – but increasingly understood as incorporating the rise of new economic powers, such as the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and, above all, China). The immediate context for thinking about these questions in many parts of the world is the aftermath of a severe economic crisis and a new politics of austerity. Local, regional, national and international actors continue to search for new policy solutions at a time when traditional forms of governance are being tested and new forms of regional politics are emerging. In many parts of the world regional disparities are growing as more economic activity becomes concentrated in global city regions, posing questions about the future of cities and regions beyond the metropolis. In these austere times, some voices question the need for regional policy itself and public policy debates increasingly focus on these dilemmas.
Civic Engagement and Economic Development in Canadian Cities
Toronto, April 27, 2011
This one-day conference presented by the RBC Chair in Public and Economic Policy and the RBC Chair in Applied Social Work at the University of Toronto addresses civic engagement and economic development in Canadian cities. President and CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada, Gord Nixon is the keynote speaker and will reflect on the theme of civic leadership. Other speakers include Doug Henton, Chairman and CEO of Collaborative Economics Inc. speaking on regional stewards and economic innovation. Neil Bradford, Associate Professor of political science at the University of Western Ontario will address the social dynamics of economic governance in Canadian city-regions. Caroline Andrew, Professor at the School of Political Studies and Director of the Centre for Governance at the University of Ottawa will address civic governance and social inclusion in Ottawa. Finally, David Wolfe, Professor of political science and RBC Chair in Public and Economic Policy at the University of Toronto will speak about civic engagement and leadership in Toronto’s future. Registration.
Public Administration, Technology and Innovation
Tallinn, Estonia, 6-7 May, 2011
Technological developments of the last decades have brought the co-evolutionary linkages between technology and public sector institutions into the center of both economics and public administration research. Technologies can, arguably, make public administration more effective, efficient, transparent and more accountable; but they can also cause problems with privacy, sustainability, legality, and equality, to name just a few examples. Recent public sector austerity measures (and attempts at lean government in general) may thwart socio-political efforts to foster technological innovation; but they can at the same time lead to greater willingness of governments to adopt new technologies and management principles based, directly or indirectly, on technological innovations. The challenge to public administration research is not only to trace and understand these linkages, but to find working solutions to these apparent trade-offs, and even to investigate the nature and permutations of the techno-administrative interface generally. We are inviting papers dealing with theoretical or empirical topics looking at either side of the co-evolution perspective of technological and institutional development; the role of public administration in technological progress and innovation; and the role of technology and innovation in the trajectories of public administration.
Open Spaces for Changing Science and Society – New England Workshop on Science and Social Change
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.
Ontario Centres of Excellence: Discovery 11
Toronto, 18-19 May, 2011
Discovery is Canada’s leading innovation-to-commercialization conference. Hosted by the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), Discovery brings together key players from industry, academia, government, the investment community as well as entrepreneurs and students to pursue collaboration opportunities. Garnering close to 2,500 attendees and more than 325 exhibitors, Discovery is a showcase of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research from sectors such as health, manufacturing, digital media and cleantech, including energy, environment and water. Renowned keynote speakers and panels ignite discussion, knowledge-sharing and new perspectives. Networking opportunities feature key influencers from government, academia, industry and leading sectors. Discovery facilitates the exchange of ideas and encourages new ways to collaborate and push the boundaries of research and innovation through to demonstration and development. Creating a strong innovation economy is key to Ontario’s futur
ICIM 2011: International Conference on Innovation and Management
Tokyo, Japan, 25-27 May, 2011
The International Conference on Innovation and Management aims to bring together academic scientists, leading engineers, industry researchers and scholar students to exchange and share their experiences and research results about all aspects of Innovation and Management, and discuss the practical challenges encountered and the solutions adopted.
Copenhagen, Denmark, 15-17 June, 2011
DRUID 2011 intends to map theoretical, empirical and methodological advances, contribute with novel insights and stimulate a lively debate about how technologies, economic systems and organizations evolve and co-evolve. The conference will include targeted plenary debates where internationally merited scholars take stands on contemporary issues within the overall conference theme.
CALL FOR PAPERS – Regional Studies Association – Third Global Conference on Economic Geography
Seoul, Korea, 28 June – July 2, 2011
In the wake of the economic downturn of 2007-, the debate about the causes of the crisis and recession has focused upon the unbalanced nature of its economic models and geographies. Explanations have been concerned with the imbalances in international trade and currency flows, sectoral structures between especially financial and other services and manufacturing, the relative sizes and roles of the public and private sectors, the composition of demand between consumption and production as well as its domestic or external orientation, and its socially and spatially uneven geographies. Following this diagnosis of the problems, debate about recovery has focused upon the idea of ‘rebalancing’ as a means of rebuilding new economic models that somehow correct the problematic and disruptive imbalances that generated the crisis. ‘Rebalancing’ has become an international concern for high-income economies such as Australia, UK and Japan, middle-income economies such as Portugal and South Korea as well as emerging economies such as Brazil and China. Yet it is not clear what ‘rebalancing’ might mean, whether and how it can be achieved and how it relates to currently dominant ‘new economic geographical’ models promoting greater spatial agglomeration and concentration of economic activities. These sessions will engage this debate on rebalancing regional and national economies.
CALL FOR PAPERS – Building Capacity for Scientific Innovation and Outcomes
Atlanta, GA, 15-17 September, 2011
The ability of science and innovation systems to deliver depends on continually improving capacity. Yet, capacity is multidimensional and has interrelated characteristics and related challenges. The Atlanta Conference on Science and Innovation Policy 2011 will explore the research base that addresses the broad range of capacity related issues central to the structure, function, performance and outcomes of the science and innovation enterprises. The conference will include a variety of sessions: plenaries to discuss critical questions, contributed paper sessions and a young researcher poster competition.
Lund, Sweden, 13-14 October, 2011
The conference offers two days of plenaries, presentations and intense discussions on preconditions and strategies for regional innovation policy and regional development in Europe. It is organized around five key themes: (1) Preconditions for sustainable development (economically, socially and environmentally) in European regions: (2) the role of universities in the promotion of regional development; (3) sectoral specificities (resource based and cultural/creative industries) and their impacts on regional competitiveness; (4) Southern European regions and their strategies to grow out of the global economic crisis; (5) the growth of emerging economies in Asia and Latin America and consequences for European regions.
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This newsletter is prepared by Jen Nelles.
Project manager is David A. Wolfe.