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
CFI Invests $28 Million to Fund a Knowledge Advantage for Canada
Canada has come a long way when it comes to attracting and retaining the knowledge workers that drive innovation and growth in the global knowledge economy. Recently, the country took another step forward: 193 researchers – 50 of which were recruited from outside Canada – will be able to conduct cutting edge research thanks to a $28 million investment announced by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The investment in state-of-the-art labs and equipment at 35 universities and colleges across the country will jump-start 139 projects in key areas of research ranging from environmental science to health, information and communication technologies, to the social sciences and humanities.
US Department of Energy to Fund Solar Power Projects
U.S. Department of Energy announced it will invest $5.2 million in funding to support the development of low-cost concentrating solar power (CSP). As part of the department’s technology transfer efforts, the DOE will also make available a Technology Commercialization Development Fund of up to $7.2 million to three of DOE’s National Laboratories to support commercialization of clean energy technologies.
Editor's Pick
Danger Ahead: The Coming Collapse of Canada’s Municipal Infrastructure
Saeed Mirza, Foundation for Canadian Municipalities
Canadian municipalities build, own and maintain most of the infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life. Yet for the past 20 years, municipalities have been caught in a fiscal squeeze caused by growing responsibilities and reduced revenues. As a result, they were forced to defer needed investment, and municipal infrastructure continued to deteriorate, with the cost of fixing it climbing five-fold from an estimated $12 billion in 1985 to $60 billion in 2003. This cost is the municipal infrastructure deficit, and today it has reached $123 billion. Action is needed to eliminate this deficit and prepare for effective infrastructure management in the future. Since the first step in any project is to determine the scope of the problem. This paper was commissioned to survey municipal governments to determine their infrastructure needs as a first step toward determining the size, scope and growth rate of
the municipal infrastructure deficit.
Innovation Policy
Inside Service Innovation: Challenging Policy
Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation
This analysis documents the great impact of the service industries on the European and Danish economy. The main questions and major themes investigated are: What are the key drivers for service innovation? How is service innovation being managed? What competences are needed for service innovation? How is international cooperation a part of service innovation? How do different service industries innovate in different ways? What are the scientific and public research needs of service companies? How can public-private partnership promote service innovation?
Specialization and Universities: New Versus Old
Pontus Braunerhjelm, CESIS
This paper analyzes whether there is a correspondence between a university’s research specialization and industrial specialization in the region hosting the university, and to what extent universities influence regional productivity. Moreover, the analysis seeks to determine if a difference can be detected between the influences of old and new universities on regional performance. To achieve this the paper uses a unique dataset on spatially disaggregated data for Sweden in the period 1975-1999. A two-step Heckman regression analysis is implemented to examine whether the universities research specialization match regional specialization in production as compared to the average region. The results suggest a correspondence in specialization, as well as positive productivity effects. However, there are also considerable differences across regions, albeit primarily unrelated to the age of the universities.
Public-Private Collaboration in Genomics and Biotechnology: The Cases of Cambridge and Scotland
Theo Pappaioannou, The Open University
Today, bio-scientific research and commercialization are considered to be critical for improving a number of areas of social and economic life. Especially in the sector of human healthcare, the recent developments in life sciences and biotechnology appear to constitute the main driving force of change. The most important characteristic of the new paradigm of technological change and
innovation in life sciences is the close collaboration between all actors involved, including companies and research institutes, public policy initiatives and regional impacts. This paper examines in depth the complex collaborative relationships between public policy, public research and private firms in genomics and biotechnology, focusing on the cases of Cambridge and Scotland. It is argued that although these relationships are uneven and contradictory in both regions, they play significant roles in building firm-based and policy-making capabilities. Therefore, public-private collaborations in genomics and biotechnology are inevitable for regional innovation and development within the contemporary capitalist knowledge-based economy.
Cities, Clusters & Regions
Municipal Roles, Responsibilities, Rersouces and Relationships
Enid Slack, Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG)
This presentation outlines trends in municipal expenditures across Canadian regions, municipal roles and responsibilities and ow they have changed over time, and municipal revenue trends. The presentation also touches on intergovernmental relationships. It focuses on a comparison of the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and Nove Scotia.
Statistics & Indicators
John R Baldwin and Gary Gellatly, Statistics Canada
This paper summarizes the results of several research studies conducted by the Micro-economic Analysis Division of Statistics Canada that investigate the impact of advanced technology use on business performance. These studies combine establishmentlevel survey data on advanced technology practices with longitudinal data that measure changes in relative performance. Together, these studies provide strong evidence that technology strategies have considerable bearing on competitive outcomes after other correlates of plant performance are taken into account. Advanced communications technologies warrant special emphasis, as the use of these technologies has been shown to be closely associated with changes in relative productivity.
Productivity and Innovation: An Overview of the Issues
Pierre Hanel, CIRST
This paper compares the Canadian performance on principal indicators of productivity and innovation with the U.S. and other countries. Before addressing the relationship between innovation and productivity, the paper introduces the concepts and their operational measures or indicators, the sources of innovation and their effects as well as financing and public policies in support of innovation. In the section on the link between innovation and productivity the paper surveys the representative empirical studies of this relationship on industry and enterprise level, including the evidence on private and social returns on investment in R&D and innovation in Canada and abroad. Follows a description of the current econometric modelling of micro-data on innovation and its effect on firm performance. These innovation surveysbased micro econometric studies are inspired by the four-stage CDM model that predicts (1) the probability that a firm innovates, (2) the resources it invests in the activity, (3) the commercial results
of innovation and (4) the effect of innovation on firms’ performance indicators such as sales per employee, labour productivity and its growth etc. This model provides the standardized methodology for an ongoing international research project analyzing the data from innovation surveys of majority of OECD countries.
Policy Digest
Learning Cities: Optimizing Economic and Social Well-Being
Canadian Council on Learning Cities are a magnet for Canadians and immigrants, who stream into them in ever-increasing numbers. The swelling population of urban centres—now home to 80% of Canada’s citizens—reflects the economic, educational and cultural opportunities offered by cities. At the crossroads of people, ideas, and capital, cities are the engine of innovation, knowledge and national prosperity. But Canadian cities currently face a number of important challenges, including: income inequality, integration of newcomers, maintenance of social cohesion, and civic engagement.
Economic disparities are growing in Canada. In 1984, families in the top 10 wealth percentiles held 52% of all Canadian household wealth: by 2005, they held 58%. The polarization of wealth—and the attendant social fracturing that accompanies it—is a widespread phenomenon around the world. In response to this situation, many European and Australian cities and towns have taken steps to become learning cities where “lifelong learning is explicitly used as an organizing principle and social/cultural goal to foster safer, healthier, more inclusive, better educated and creative cities.”
One approach to managing the opportunities and challenges of the modern city is the creation of Learning Cities. Pioneered in Europe and Australia, this strategy recognizes that optimal social and financial well-being occurs under conditions that favour lifelong learning for all. Learning Cities embrace an understanding of learning as multi-dimensional and comprehensive; they devise ways of bringing learning and people together, in order to develop the social and economic fabric of the community. Learning cities that have emerged in Europe and Australia have adopted some common principles:
- Learning is both an individual and collective responsibility;
- Social harmony and economic prosperity are key over-arching goals in identifying collective learning goals and projects that will benefit the city residents;
- Learning is defined broadly, and is accomplished by working with a wide range of partners, both formal and informal;
- Innovation is embraced;
- Learning projects are identified and implemented through consultation and collaboration among the general public, community groups, educational institutions, unions, cultural organizations, advocacy groups, and employers;
- Learning should be readily accessible regardless of financial circumstances or education;
- Learning should be inclusive and respectful of diversity;
- Learning projects are subject to evaluation.
The Learning Cities movement is beginning to take root in Canada. In 2003, Victoria began the process of becoming a learning city with the goal of being known, by 2020, as “a leading learning community.” In service of this goal, Victoria has identified a number of specific objectives to transform downtown Victoria into a Place of Learning by 2020. These include:
- Quality early childhood learning for the children of downtown workers and residents
- Individual learning plans for at least half of downtown workers
- Elder college participation among at least half of downtown seniors
- Increased cross-sector initiatives related to the arts and learning
- A two-fold increase in educational tourism.
In June 2006, Vancouver designated itself a Learning City and embraced the following principles: equitable access to learning, inclusivity and collaboration—all seen as essential precursors to greater prosperity and collective well-being. An ambitious Lifelong Learning Strategy supports Vancouver’s aspirations to be a Learning City. This document is the product of collaboration among a wide range of civic, educational and community organizations; the general public also had a voice in shaping the strategy, through focus groups and public meetings. The desired outcomes established in the Strategy are intended to contribute to the city’s “triple bottom line,” i.e., its social, economic and environmental health] and include:
- Enhanced access to learning opportunities for at-risk, disadvantaged and marginalized community members and groups;
- Higher enrolment and completion rates for students at all levels;
- Higher rates of literacy and numeracy;
- Increased access to and use of learning technologies;
- Greater citizen engagement and social inclusion;
- Increased recognition and support for Aboriginal and ethnic communities and their rich culture of learning;
- More collaboration among educators and trainers—the creation of a seamless system;
- Stronger partnerships between business, labour and education
As more cities adopt their own learning cities strategies, they can benefit from the lessons learned in other communities. Researchers have identified three key areas that require attention in creating optimal conditions for the success of a new learning city.
- Partnership. It is crucial to build real partnerships between all sectors (civic, economic, educational, public and voluntary) and to mobilize their shared resources.
- Participation. A successful learning city must foster conditions in which citizens increase their participation in lifelong learning, but learning cities must first ensure that their citizens participate in the process of policy development for learning city initiatives.
- Performance. Learning cities must learn to assess their progress, document good practice, and measure impact.
The increasing popularity and ostensible success of these strategies in other cities suggest that this is a public policy trend worth monitoring (if not adopting) for the Ontario context.
Events
DRUID-DIME Winter Conference – Economics and Management of Innovation and Organizational Change
Aalborg, Denmark, 17-19 January, 2008
The conference is open for all PhD students working within the broad field of economics and management of innovation and organizational change. The conference organizers 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. Confirmed invited senior scholars are: Maryann Feldman, University of Georgia; Reinhilde Veugelers, Katholike Universiteit Leuven; Paula Criscuolo, Tanaka Business School; Alfonso Gambardella, Università Bocconi; Gerry George, London Business School.
Community Social Planning Council Toronto: Research Roundtable – Research for Social Change 
Toronto, 22 January, 2008
This event will bring together community-based, government-based and academic researchers to share information about current research initiatives, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and exchange ideas for using research to advance social change. It will provide an opportunity to share perspectives on research for social change from our various vantage points, inside and outside of government.
Niagarapalooza: Rethinking Our Cities
Niagara Falls, 31 January, 2008
A conference for all community and business leaders, investors, developers, builders, architects, planners, urban designers, arts and culture leaders, artisans, realtors, financiers, politicians, smart growth enthusiasts, municipal employees, civil servants and members of the creative class. Keynote speakers include Richard Florida, Edie Friel, and Tim Jones. The conference will also include live music and perforamce art and a discussion with community leaders.
Innovation for Renewal and Growth – Accelerating Innovation for Sustainable Growth
New York, 11-12 March, 2008
Sessions will deal with issues and questions including: Growth oriented leadership – Defining the qualities your leadership must incorporate to reach growth objectives. New Models – The customer dynamic has forever changed with the advent of the internet. Open source innovation and collaboration are happening at the organizations setting the pace of innovation and growth in their sectors. What insights can organizations reap from the new reality of virtualization, collaboration, community and the coming co-creation wave?Innovation and Risk – Historically, managers tasked with driving growth through innovation have faced a risky and unpredictable road. How can you create and manage an innovation portfolio? Driving your organization’s innovation initiatives by utilizing metrics. Fostering a culture of innovation and empowering employees to see and act on opportunities in new or mature markets. Talent – as an innovation driver and growth lever for mature organizations. What is the business case used to engage all stake holders for innovation strategy buy-in, its communication and sponsorship across the enterprise?
International Forum on the Creative Economy
Ottawa, 17-18 March, 2008
The Conference Board of Canada and The Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada, are pleased to announce a Call for Papers for the International Forum on the Creative Economy. Papers are welcome in either of Canada’s official languages, French or English. This International Forum will include keynote speakers, presentations, lectures, and other activities aimed at examining recent evidence on the arts and cultural sector as an important engine of economic growth. Papers must address one or more of the four Forum themes listed below. Descriptions and examples of these themes are attached: Creative Economy in Transition: Arts and Culture in Domestic and Global Markets; Measuring Arts and Culture as an Economic and Social Engine of a Country’s Wealth; Consumption Dynamics: Consumers Driving Change; Innovation and Research: Mobilizing New Practices.
Tech Policy Summit: Collaborating to Drive Technology Innovation and Adoption
Hollywood, CA, 26-28 March, 2008
Tech Policy Summit is the only executive conference of its kind that brings together prominent leaders from the private and public sectors to examine critical policy issues impacting technology innovation and adoption in the United States and beyond. The nonpartisan gathering provides an independent, balanced forum for learning and networking among an exclusive group of industry insiders, government officials, nonprofit leaders and academic experts who may have different perspectives but who share a common goal of enabling innovation. The central mission is to bridge the gaps that sometimes exist – even between like-minded organizations with common goals – and to encourage more dialogue so that there is greater accord between what happens in D.C. and what matters within the technology industry. The theme for the 2008 Summit is Markets in Transition: Collaborating to Drive Technology Innovation and Adoption, and sessions will focus on America’s competitiveness in the global economy and the growing impact of convergence on the high tech, digital entertainment and communications industries.
Toronto, 6-8 May, 2008
BioFinance 2008 is a gathering of some of the most innovative minds in the lifescience industries from Canada, US and Europe. Presenting Companies range from large publicly traded and major private companies to small 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.
Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneuship: From Research to Results
Halifax, 22-25 June, 2008
Please join researchers, educators, policy makers and business service providers from around the world at the 53rd International Council for Small Business (ICSB) World Conference. The theme of the conference is “Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneurship: From Research to Results”. A key aim of the conference is to bridge the gap between research and action.
Mexico City, 22-24 September, 2008
GLOBELICS (Global Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems) 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, labor 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. For the sixth conference to be held in Mexico City papers that contribute to the understanding of ‘Styles’ or modes of Development (or Political Economy of Development): paradigms of public policies, conflicts, trade-offs and choices among alternative public policies will be welcome.
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This newsletter is prepared by Jen Nelles.
Project manager is David A. Wolfe.