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
Federal Government Announces New Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Michael Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister Responsible for Montreal, recently announced the launch of a new transparent and fully accountable research and development (R&D) initiative to promote excellence and accelerate innovation in Canada’s aerospace, defence, security and space (A&D) industries. The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) will support strategic research and development that result in new products, processes and services for the benefit of Canadians.
ISRN Launches New and Improved Website
The new ISRN site provides visitors with a comprehensive source of information regarding two major collaborative initiatives and links to a wealth of related resources. The ‘members-only’ link is a tool designed to encourage the cross-communication and resource-sharing needed to successfully conduct a national research project of this scope. Prominent researchers and their student and post-doctoral researchers from across Canada manage 23 research studies for the second (current) MCRI project “The City-Region Initiative”. The design incorporates a more user-friendly and informative style drawn from the creative input of our members.
ISRN 9th Annual Meeting – Registration Open
The 2007 9th Annual ISRN Meeting takes place in Vancouver on Thursday, May 3rd and Friday, May 4th at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver, British Columbia. ONLINE REGISTRATION is open until Wednesday, April 25th.
Editor's Pick
Knowledge Spillover Agents and Regional Development
Michaela Trippl and Gunther Maier
It is widely recognised that knowledge and highly skilled individuals as “carriers” of knowledge (i.e. knowledge spillover agents) play a key role in impelling the development and growth of cities and regions. This paper discusses the relation between the mobility of talent and knowledge flows. In this context, several issues are examined, including the role of highly skilled labour for regional development, the features that characterize knowledge spillovers through labour mobility, the key factors for attracting and retaining talent as well as the rise of “brain gain” policies. Although the paper deals with highly skilled mobility and migration in general, particular attention is paid to flows of (star) scientists.
Innovation Policy
Examples of Regional Innovation Projects
European Commission on Regional Policy
This document contains summaries of case studies of good practice from the regional programs of innovative actions , 2000-2006. These programs were co-financed by regional policy in the EU15 with the aim of tr ying out new approaches, new partnerships and new ideas for development. The full case studies are available on the INFOREGIO website. The case studies analyze the
project objectives and activities, the strategic context, innovation , partnership and obsta cles in terms of design or implementation. Results and impacts achieved are highlighted and sustainability is also considered. The case studies conclude with the lessons learnt and good
practices identified.
Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: A Review of Government’s Progress on it’s Policy Commitments
Council for Science and Technology (UK)
This report argues that the UK government has made good progress on many commitments. Support for the development of standards has been high. There have been several valuable public engagement initiatives though future projects must be better connected to policy makers. Dialogue with industry has limited the presence of nanomaterials in waste streams and prevented releases for remediation until the evidence base is improved. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) have committed substantial resources to nanotechnologies work, particularly for workplace exposure. The Defra Voluntary Reporting Scheme is promising but must secure high industry participation to be successful. In contrast the government has not made sufficient progress on its commitments for research. It committed to “an immediate program of research” and said “we would expect substantial progress after two years”. Government spent £10m on nanometrology over the last five years which is welcomed. This report evaluates the impact of these and other nanotech related policies.
Commercializing University Innovations: A Better Way
Robert Litan et al.
With the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, the US federal government explicitly endorsed the transfer of exclusive control over government-funded inventions to universities and businesses operating with federal contracts. While this legislation was intended to accelerate further development and commercialization of the ideas and inventions developed under federal contracts, the government did not provide any strategy, process, tools, or resources to shepherd innovations from the halls of academia into the commercial market. And more than twenty-five years later, it is clear that few universities have established an overall strategy to foster innovation, commercialization, and spillovers. Multiple pathways for university innovation exist and can be codified to provide broader access to innovation, allow a greater volume of deal flow, support standardization, and decrease the redundancy of innovation and the cycle time for commercialization. Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) were envisioned as gateways to facilitate the flow of innovation but have instead become gatekeepers that in many cases constrain the flow of inventions and frustrate faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry. The proposed changes focus on creating incentives that will maximize social benefit from the existing investments being made in R&D and commercialization on university campuses.
Cities, Clusters & Regions
Massachusetts BioPharma Report
Donahue Institute, University of Massachusetts
The Massachusetts pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are widely recognized as pillars of the state’s knowledge economy. While these two industries are clearly interconnected in a number of important ways, the specific ways in which they interact and support each others growth and development are not well understood. The Bay State is undeniably a world leader in the research and development of biological and pharmaceutical products and treatments. However, although Massachusetts is home to some of the leading pharmaceutical firms in the world, to date the Commonwealth has not been as successful in attracting bio-pharma manufacturing activities, even of those bio-medical innovations developed by home-grown Massachusetts firms. This report is intended to provide industry leaders and the Commonwealth’s elected officials, public policymakers and opinion leaders with insight into the ways in which these two important industries interact and specific information regarding the specific obstacles to growth faced by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the state.
Statistics & Indicators
R&D Spending in Health Sciences, 1989-2006
Statistics Canada
Spending on research and development (R&D) on health last year accounted for nearly one-quarter of total spending on R&D in Canada, according to preliminary data. Total spending on R&D in the health sector hit an estimated $6.6 billion in 2006, up 6.8% over the previous year. This represented just over 23% of total spending on R&D, up from 17% in 1996. The higher education sector performed 63% of all R&D in the health field, the largest share. In 2006, this sector, which includes universities and teaching hospitals, performed an estimated $4.1 billion worth of health R&D, a 10.0% increase from the previous year. Business enterprises, a distant second to the higher education sector, performed an estimated $2.1 billion in health R&D, up 2.5%. Business enterprises accounted for about a third of the total. In terms of funding, universities overtook business enterprises as the largest funder of health R&D, spending just over $1.8 billion in 2006. Business enterprises spent $1.7 billion, and the federal government $1.2 billion. Private non-profit organizations more than doubled their funding for health R&D from $242 million in 1999 to $533 million in 2006.
Where are the Scientists and Engineers?
Michael McKenzie, Statistics Canada
This paper examines where scientists and engineers are located in Canada, as well as other characteristics of this sector of the workforce. Among other findings the 2001 Census of Population data revealed that the CMAs with the highest labour force concentration of S&E PhDs per 100,000 of the total labour force population were Kingston followed by Ottawa-Hull, Saskatoon and Victoria. Proportionately, the highest concentration of science and engineering PhDs in Canada’s labour force is in the Kingston-Ottawa-Hull CMAs.
Policy Digest
Public Support for Science and Innovation
Australian Productivity Commission
Innovation is critical to Australia’s growth and its preparedness for emerging economic, social and environmental challenges. Governments play a major role in shaping the innovation system through the design and governance of institutions, in supporting the education and training of scientists and engineers, and in funding high-value research that would not otherwise be undertaken by businesses. Governments also play a direct role through their own public sector research agencies and by financing R&D in universities and businesses. Overall funding was around $6 billion in 2004-05.
This report examines the impacts of such public support for science and innovation, and considers the prospects for improving outcomes by eliminating impediments to innovation or by changing the way government support is channeled to its various competing uses. It examines particularly important programs or funding areas and investigating the grounds for their reform. The overall conclusion is that public support for science and innovation has, by and large, provided widespread and important benefits for Australians. Nevertheless, there is room for considerable improvement in key areas of Australia’s innovation system, spanning ineffective business programs, a sometimes excessive focus on the commercialization stages of innovation, problems in scientific labour markets, inadequate evaluation methods and problematic funding models.
Challenges identified by the study, and on which the Commission recommends action:
Innovation System Impediments:
-
Problems with Commercialization: these include a wide variety of mechanisms for IP transfer (often within the same institution), which increase costs for firms; poor institutional governance and incentive structures for commercialization; lack of resources, expertise and capacity in university TTOs; and weak linkages between firms and universities.
-
Barriers to Human Capital Growth: Australia is facing a shortage of scientific personnel in specific areas – mainly on the engineering side. The report recommends measures to increase incentives and job satisfaction among scientists and engineers.
-
Physical Research Infrastructure Not Maximized: Infrastructure spending has not kept pace with other public funding and there is a growing backlog of deferred maintenance. The report recommends that fixed and standing operating costs should be met through public funding. Prices of major infrastructure should then be set at marginal costs for research users — with congestion charging for infrastructure that is over-utilized. A stocktaking of existing research infrastructure would also help identify areas where assets could be better shared.
In addition to these observations and recommendations, this report includes a detailed inspection of the suite of business support programs aimed at encouraging research activity with potentially positive spillover effects. The Commission identifies the potential to reform of general business R&D funding arrangements (principally, the R&D tax concession. There are also areas for improvement in the Rural R&D Corporation program, co-funded by the Australian government. The Collaborative Research Centre program has received mixed reviews from participants, and is also identified as a program that should potentially be reformed. The core recommendation of the Commission on this investment is to broaden the scope of eligible projects to allow firms with smaller, and shorter-term projects to participate, as well as to reduce the compliance, reporting, and other administrative burdens it places on participating firms. Finally, the report makes some observations and recommendations regarding funding arrangements for higher education institutions.
While it does focus on the Australian context, this report offers a wealth of analysis and recommendations on what the public role should be in promoting innovation, as well as ways to improve common innovation policies.
Events
Dublin, 19-20 April, 2007
The workshop will focus on how strategic policy intelligence tools can, in a regional context, guide concrete innovation support measures. In what way and to what extent can ongoing innovation policy instruments absorb and implement policy intelligence?
This workshop aims to bring together policy research experts and those responsible for policy implementation and to link strategic policy intelligence theory with practical research opportunities.
Toronto, 24-27 April, 2007
BioFinance 2007 is a gathering of some of the most innovative minds in the life science industries featuring presentations by senior management from more than 100 Canadian, US and European life science companies. The range of participating firms includes large publicly traded and major private companies as well as early-stage opportunities. The companies will highlight their development plans for new medicines and technologies in the fields of cancer, cardiology, medical devices, neuroscience, immunology, genomics, diagnostics and new research tools. BioFinance 2007 will feature a CEO Forum to address specific financing and management issues relevant to Chief Executive Officers in life science companies. It will also have specialty panels on topics including access to public markets in the US and Europe, investing in medical technologies, pharma-biopharma deals and early stage venture financing from private and public sources
Hydrogen Fuel & Fuel Cells 2007: International Conference and Trade Show
Vancouver, 29 April – 2 May, 2007
Today’s energy challenges have no boundaries. Energy security, climate change, and clean air concerns challenge communities around the world. International research, business and policy collaborations are ensuring that technologies, such as hydrogen and fuel cells, will provide a sustainable future for generations. This conference and trade show will highlight these global activities and developments. Canada, and particularly Vancouver, boasts unrivalled hydrogen and fuel cell expertise. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore BC’s Hydrogen Highway, experience the latest in hydrogen and fuel cell innovations and visit the most advanced hydrogen and fuel cell research facility… the National Research Council’s cutting-edge Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation.
Toronto, 1 May, 2007
Connect with people and speakers and discover what is next in innovation in Ontario. The program includes a keynote address from Ray Kurzweil, one of the worlds most respected thinkers and entrepreneurs and Richard Florida, author of two widely influential books about the relationship between creativity and competitiveness. Sessions cover the issue of Technology Revolution, The Innovation Highway, Creating Value – Driving Success, Ideas to Income, Innovation and Technology Convergence, and the IP Debate.
Pacific Regional Science Conference Organization (PRSCO) 2007
Vancouver, 6-9 May, 2007
The central theme of the conference is “Creative City Regions: Examining Their Role in the Pacific Rim”. Cities have always been the crucible of culture and civilization, and the hubs of wealth creation, but today they face enormous challenges. Compounded by infrastructural, economic and social problems, dramatic changes are taking place. If cities are to flourish, there has to be a paradigm shift in the way they are managed, to draw fully on the talents and creativity of their own residents – businesses, city authorities and the citizens themselves. The host city, Vancouver, is a multicultural and diverse urban area with a high quality of life. It is poised to stage the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Join us at PRSCO 2007 when we shall examine the role of the `new economy’ and `cultural industries’ in Pacific Rim city regions. Paper submission deadline has been extended to February 28th, 2007.
Miami Beach, Florida, 13-17 May, 2007
IAMOT 2007 will provide an international technical forum for experts from industry and academia to exchange ideas and present results of ongoing research in the following tracks: Knowledge Management, Green Technologies, Social impact of technology development, MOT Education and Research / Corporate Universities, New Product/Service Development, National and Regional Systems of Innovation, Small and Medium Enterprises, Emerging Technologies, Technology Transfer, Marketing and Commercialization, Technology Foresight and Forecasting, Information and Communication Technology Management, The Integration of Technology and Business Strategies, R&D Management, Project and Program Management, Industrial and Manufacturing System Technologies / Supply Chain Management, New Forms of Organizations, Management of Technology in Developing Countries . Technological Alliances, Mergers and Acquisitions, Theory of Technology, Technology Incubation, Management of Technology for the Service Economy, Innovation/technological development and productivity
Singapore, 16-18 May, 2007
Organized for the first time in Asia, Triple Helix VI 2007 will provide a global forum for academic scholars from different disciplinary perspectives as well as policy makers, university administrators and private sector leaders from different countries to exchange and share new learning about the diverse emerging models of the entrepreneurial university, the changing dynamics of University- Industry-Government interactions around the world and the complex roles of the university in local, regional and national economic development.
Networks of Creativity in Science and Arts: Colloquium for Young Social Scientists 
Padua, Italy, 22 May, 2007
The aim of this colloquium is to bring together research and researchers in different fields dealing with networks, communities, creativity and innovation. We therefore invite young scholars, including Phd students, in economics, economic geography, business and management, social science, and related subjects to submit proposals for a cross disciplinary colloquium/workshop to be held in Padua, the 22nd of May 2007. The colloquium is connected to the conference “Networks of creativity in science and arts”, which takes place the day before. CALL FOR PAPERS.
Today’s Research – Tomorrow’s Prosperity: Commercializing University Research
Toronto, 24 May, 2007
This is an exciting opportunity to interact with international leaders from business government and academia. Keynote speakers include Ross C Devol, from the Miliken Institute; David Naylor, President of the University of Toronto; and Ted Sargent, Canada Research Chair in Nanotechnology. The theme of the morning panel is “Getting the Job Done: International Experiences in Technology Commercialization” and has speakers from Ireland, Sweden, Austria and Chicago. The afternoon panel is entitled “What Business Wants: The Business View of Technology Commercialization”.
Toronto, 28 May – 1 June, 2007
Toronto’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry cluster will come together to celebrate being the largest high-tech hub in Canada and the third largest in North America. During this event a series of activities will be undertaken to showcase the depth and breath of Toronto’s high technology sector. These will include trade associations’ events such as seminars and business networking functions, job fairs, collaboration demonstrations, an ICT business open door program, school projects, educational seminars, special exhibits showcasing innovation & excellence and other ICT sector- related activities. An organizing committee formed by ICT industry stakeholders representing a cross-section of this industry, in both the private and public sectors, has been formed to implement this initiative
Photonics North 2007 – Closing the Gap Between Theory, Development and Application
Ottawa, 4-7 June, 2007
Conference topics include, but are not limited to: biophotonics, fiber lasers and amps, guided wave devices, industrial applications, new optical materials and nanophotonics, optical sensors and detectors, optics and photonics in defence and security, photonics design and simulations, photonics devices and networks, and ultrashort pulse lasers.
Toronto, 14-16 June, 2007
This interdisciplinary conference, the second presented by the Design Exchange, Canada’s National Design Centre, seeks to explore
the varied and future states of cities. Papers are invited that address such related and relevant topics as green space in cities,
infrastructure, technology, environmentalism, and sustainability, Brownfield rehabilitation, exurban growth, public transportation, universal design, street furnishings, climate change and disaster preparedness. Several themes of interest : mass media, technology, infrastructure and policy and social responsibility.
Regional Innovation in Traditional Industries
Volterra, Italy, 23 June, 2007
This workshop is part of the Structural Activity Line 3 of the DIME Network of Excellence and focuses particularly on the impact of diversification within various sectors ranging from previously highly industrialized regions to agri-food regions. The workshop will assess the way in which global competition from emerging markets is challenging traditional industries, what their responses are and how innovative and how successful such responses may be. Taking a regional innovation systems approach, the workshop will explore how network interactions can reshape a region, the effects the transformation has on the regions, and the challenges to economic growth accompanying the changes.
3rd International Conference on E-Government
Montreal, 27 – 28 September, 2007
Alongside the rise in e-Government provision comes a greater interest in the study of e-Government, from both a practical and a theoretical point of view. As controversy rages around issues such as e-Voting and identity cards, so academics and practitioners pick up the gauntlet of supporting or attacking these issues. Service providers too have their opinions to share. Much time and money is being spent in considering the best way forward and in examining what has been done well and what lessons can be learnt when things go wrong. This conference aims to bring evidence of the research being undertaken across the globe to the attention of co-workers and the wider community for the purposes of helping practitioners find ways to put research into practice, and for researchers to gain an understanding of additional real-world problems. The advisory group for ICEG 2007 therefore invites submissions of papers on both theory and practice in respect of the conference themes outlined below, from academics, government departments and practitioners in the public and private sector.
Atlanta Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2007
Atlanta, October 19-20, 2007
The landscape of global innovation is shifting, with new problems and actors emerging on the scene. National governments are looking for new strategies, and they are turning to the science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy research community for models and research results to tell them what works and what doesn’t, under what circumstances. The Atlanta Conference provides an opportunity for the global STI policy research and user communities to test models of innovation, explore emerging STI policy issues, and share research results.
Subscriptions & Comments
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think will find it of value. We look forward to collaborating with you on this initiative. If you would like to comment on, or contribute to, the content, subscribe or unsubscribe, please contact us at ipl.munkschool@utoronto.ca.
This newsletter is prepared by Jen Nelles.
Project manager is David A. Wolfe.