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This newsletter is published by ONRIS at the Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto, and sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The views and ideas expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Ontario Government.
ANNOUNCEMENTS [Table of Contents]
Toronto Takes Third Place as Largest ICT Employer
Business, government and community leaders have discussed ways to overcome the financing, leadership, education and training challenges that continue to challenge Toronto's high tech industry. Toronto Mayor David Miller released preliminary data from a study entitled "Toronto Region Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Industry" at a TechAction Town Hall meeting on May 13. The city of Toronto ranks third--behind San Francisco and New York--as the largest ICT employer in North America. As one of the most diverse markets in Canada, Toronto houses over 100,000 skilled ICT workers. As well, operating costs rank second lowest in any metropolitan area in North America.
Study Shows Canada’s Technology Triangle is an Internationally-Recognized Brand
The Canadian Innovation Centre of Waterloo carried out a survey designed to test the level of recognition of Canada’s Technology Triangle among key client groups in the United States, Germany and The Greater Toronto Area. Results indicate wide positive recognition of “Canada’s Technology Triangle” exists in areas tested in Canada, USA and Europe. The study shows that and the Waterloo Region, and cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo each received strong levels of recognition referenced with key industries such as high tech, business development, education, manufacturing, automotive and real estate.
EDITOR'S PICK [Table of Contents]
ISRN 6th Annual National Meeting Papers and Presentations
This collection of papers and presentations covers case studies, policy and thematic sessions, the graduate student symposium and integrative sessions from the annual ISRN conference held in Vancouver May 12-15. Case studies cover ICT/wireless, biotechnology, forestry, mining, multimedia, wine, specialty foods and space clusters in a variety of regions in Canada. Keep checking the site as papers and slide presentations will be added as we receive them until the end of the month
INNOVATION & RELATED POLICY [Table of Contents]
A Toolkit for Evaluating Public R&D Investment: Models, Methods and Findings from ATP's First Decade
Rosalie Ruegg and Irwin Feller, Advanced Technology Program (ATP)
This report from the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) provides useful information to anyone interested in evaluating publicly-sponsored research and development (R&D) programs. While the report focuses on more than 40 evaluations that have been performed for ATP, it offers one of the most comprehensive and understandable overviews of evaluation methods and applying those approaches.
Technology Transfer Institutions in Europe: An Overview
European Commission
This report presents a an introduction to a database of European institutions engaged in technology transfer. It includes information on more than 1000 organizations. The report also includes an overview of different types of tech tranfer organizations, models and approaches to tech transfer and an analysis of the geographical distribution and representation of such activities
CLUSTERS & INNOVATION [Table of Contents]
Universities and the Development of Industry Clusters
Jerry Payta., Robert Gradeck and Lena Andrews, Economic Development Administration, US Department of Commerce
Universities that are highly engaged with regional
industry clusters have diverse and complementary units that broadly
address the needs of the cluster. Rather than a compartmentalized
approach, engaged universities are sources of research and technology,
but also address other aspects that affect cluster growth such as
business, marketing, legal, and workforce issues. In order to have
an impact on a regional industry cluster, the university must have
a significant base of research aligned with the needs of that cluster.
In the case of research and technology assets, size does matter. The
university must have a large base of research and development in order
to significantly impact a cluster, rather narrowly benefiting only
a few firms. The university must also have expertise and resources
in appropriate areas that align with the needs of the clusters in
the region. Less important is the structure or processes of the technology
transfer function.
Networks of Competence in Germany 2004/2005
kompetenznetze.de
This annual report highlights successful networks of competence in key German clusters. The report covers a variety of sectors and regions including aerospace, biotechnology, genomics, industrial manufacturing, nanotechnologies and power engineering. For each sector the report identifies key clusters and provides an overview of the activities and profiles of dominant competency networks (industry networking associations) in each region.
STATISTICS [Table of Contents]
Innovation in Europe - Results from the EU, Iceland and Norway
Eurostat
This publication presents the results of the Third Community Innovation Survey. The main topics treated are a general description of the innovation performance in Europe, innovation across enterprise size-classes, innovation in the various economic sectors and employment and market characteristics of innovators.
EVENTS [Table of Contents]
Hamilton, 19 May, 2004
This event - sponsored by The Golden Horseshoe Biosciences Network - is a must for those involved in the bioscience business. This conference will deal with venture capital investment and new company financing, biotech and health related research, the commercialization of research, and community and economic development at all levels of government. Over 200 participants from the business and science community attended the BioSummit@McMaster last year.
MERIT Workshop on Information Technology, New Industry and Labour Market Dynamics
Maastricht, 3-4 June, 2004
The aim of the workshop is twofold. First, to develop a perspective on the changing way in which goods are being produced, production processes are being organised and jobs are being occupied as a result of the adoption of IT. Second, it aims to investigate the consequences of IT diffusion and the determinants of adoption empirically at the firm level, its impact in the labour market both from a theoretical and empirical point of view and its macroeconomic consequences.
Regionalization of Innovation Policy - Options and Experiences
Berlin, 4-5 June, 2004
Globalization leads to a greater relevance of regional factors for innovation processes. There is a growing consensus in the academic field, as well as among politicians, that innovation policy should include this regional dimension, i.e. regional innovation systems. But it is still not quite clear how this could or should be done in practice. In general, there are two approaches to the regionalization of innovation policy. One strategy is attempting to improve the quality of the innovation system in certain regions. The main questions here concern appropriate instruments for such a strategy and the selection of regions. A second strategy that may be complementary to the above-mentioned one is to scale down national innovation policies in such a way that they take into account the various regions (for example, by focusing measures on certain clusters). In some countries, interesting attempts at such a policy that are worthy of investigation have been made (for example, the BioRegio or the InnoRegio program in Germany). This conference will bring together scholars working in the field of innovation systems and policy at the national and regional level.
THECIS
Workshop - How Governments Support Innovation 
Calgary, 8 June, 2004
Governments are critical players in supporting and
encouraging innovation. Both levels of government have recently announced
substantive new innovation strategies. At this workshop, speakers from
the provincial and Federal government will describe their innovation
strategies, and a moderator will organise a discussion with the audience.
Speakers include: Lou Normand, Executive Director, Value added Strategy,
Alberta Economic Development, Edmonton; Shane Williamson, Director,
Policy Integration, Industry Canada, Ottawa; and Fred Stewart, Executive
Director, ASTech Foundation and Former Alberta Minister.
DRUID Summer Conference on Industrial Dynamics, Innovation and Development
Copenhagen, Denmark, 14-16 June, 2004
This conference aims to promote the general understanding of the interplay between industrial dynamics, innovation and development; investigate arrangements organized at various scales to enhance and utilize knowledge geared towards economic development; examine the role of entrepreneurship and innovation at various stages of economic development; the geographical reach and development consequences of knowledge spillovers; and to consider the implications for managerial strategy and public policy. Participation in the conference is restricted. Potential participants must supply a detailed abstract of at least 2 pages to summer2004@druid.dk no later than January 30, 2004.
Edmonton, 15 June, 2004
The workshop is designed for individuals interested in the commercial potential of bioenergy in Alberta. The workshop will provide an overview of the global bioenergy field, and identify some specific opportunities where Alberta has a competitive advantage. Some Canadian initiaves on bioenergy will also be reviewed. The output will feed into the western Canadian innovaton conference - InnoWest 2004. Collaboration is the key to innovation. This is an opportunity for individuals and companies interested in the commercial potential for bioenergy to learn of opportunities in Alberta and meet like minded people.
The 4th Congress on Proximity Economics Proximity, Networks and Co-ordination
Marseilles, 17-18 June, 2004
This conference is geared towards all of the scientific community interested in the proximity concept, as it relates to everything from industrial organization to networks of public health. The call for proposals, which is open until October 31st, 2003, will give priority to either theoretical or empirical communications likely to produce a better understanding of the conceptual links between proximity, networks and co-ordination.
Oslo, 20-24 June, 2004
This conference features academic papers and presentations from industry plus workshops elaborating on the conference theme. Delegates will have the opportunity to submit a poster on the conference theme as part of their conference fee. Important deadlines are 25 February 2004 (extended from 11 February) for abstracts, 19 April 2004 for full papers, presentations and posters.
Toronto, 22 June, 2004
Come draw from an unprecedented mix of expertise from industry and academia at the materials and manufacturing community's networking event of the year. With more than 275 exhibitors and 1,100 participants, Materials and Manufacturing Ontario's annual conference and dinner is a day of sharing best practices, emerging research, technical expertise, industry trends and new ideas for future growth.
Foresight Training Course for Practitioners and Organizers
Manchester, UK, 28 June - 2 July, 2004
Now in its sixth year, the annual PREST Foresight training course provides an intensive, practically-oriented introduction to Foresight for those who might be involved in Foresight activities, whether as a sponsor, organizer or practitioner. Past attendees have included senior managers and practitioners from companies, intergovernmental organizations, research institutes, and government departments. The course is residential and is organized around parallel streams of lectures and practical work that enables participants to experience the relevance of each lecture and the realities of Foresight activity. The course draws upon PREST’s extensive experience of organizing and researching Foresight activities across Europe and beyond. This includes direct assistance to more than a dozen countries’ national Foresight exercises, close cooperation with the EC and UNIDO, and facilitating Foresight activities in public and private organizations.
Organizations, Innovation and Complexity: New Perspectives on the Knowledge Economy
Manchester, UK, 9-10 September, 2004
This conference explores the concept of the knowledge
economy from a complexity perspective, with a particular emphasis on
the emergence of innovation and the self-organization and self-transformation
of economic systems. The broad themes will include conceptual thinking;
modelling/simulation and empirical/case Studies. Key questions address
how new ideas emerge and translate into a change of understanding, how
knowledge generation processes vary within firms, how market feedback
stimulates a search for new understanding and how contextual and historical
factors can constrain or empower the production and use of knowledge.
Patent Policy: Using, Abusing and Reforming
Duke University, 17-19 September, 2004
It has long been recognized that the patent system
provides a unique means for trading off ex ante
innovation incentives against the ex post inefficiencies of monopoly
power. The current system of patent acquisition and protection is now
frequently criticized on numerous grounds, including its manipulability,
its susceptibility to abuse and holdup, its regional specificity, its
differential treatment of leaders and laggards, and the agency costs
that are present not only among business competitors, but among the
very bureaucrats and judges who administer the system itself. The
conference intends to explore these ideas further, bringing together
leading scholars from law schools, business schools, and economics departments.
Submission deadline: May 1, 2004.
Continuous Innovation: Strategic Priorities for the Global Knowledge Economy
Sydney, Australia, 22-25 September, 2004
Continuous innovation is the ongoing process of
initiating, developing, operating and improving new and existing configurations
of products, market approaches, processes, technologies and competencies,
organisation and management systems. As organisations strive to achieve
a synergistic balance between short-term oriented, operationally-effective
exploitation strategies and longer-term, flexibility-oriented exploration
strategies, the rapid growth of the global knowledge economy has placed
learning at the centre of this critical balance. The 5th International
CINet 2004 conference has as its theme "Continuous Innovation:
Strategic Priorities for the Global Knowledge Economy" and aims
to address these key issues for organisational survival and growth.
Hydrogen & Fuel Cells 2004 Conference and Trade Show
Toronto, 25-28 September, 2004
As society shifts towards the Greener World, it is increasingly important that the team-work necessary to achieve and meet our challenges and objectives be effectively integrated, shared and understood across disciplinary and business boundaries. In planning for the September 2004 Meeting in Toronto seven such inter-related themes have been identified: Hydrogen technology progress, fuel cells, economics & policy, renewable hydrogen, demonstrations, investment & marketing options, and climate change. We invite you to submit abstracts for oral and/or poster presentations to be presented to an international audience of hydrogen and fuel cell industry leaders. Submission deadline: March 17, 2004.
Constructing Competitive Advantage
Ottawa, 28 September - 1 October, 2004
TCI's 7th annual conference will closely examine
and exchange experiences concerning how firms can be grown in a cluster,
how clusters can be branded and get products to market, how clusters
interact, and how an active strategy can either grow or stunt the future
prospects of a cluster. The program includes an introduction workshop
on cluster, cluster site visits, an academic summit and many guest speakers
and mini-forums.
Ottawa, 27-29 September, 2004
Building on the success of OptoCanada, held in Ottawa in May 2002,
the Canadian Photonics Consortium and the Ottawa Photonics Cluster are
collaborating to sponsor Photonics North 2004. The Conference is chaired
by the CEO of Siemens Canada, Dr. Albert Maringer, and is being managed
by SPIE. Leading photonics experts from around the world will be participating.
Suggested topics for papers range from Biophotonics to Telecommunications
Networking. Among the special features of the Conference will be a parallel
program on the first day focusing on doing business with Germany, with
a variety of speakers from Germany, as well as a student program organized
by Photonics Research Ontario on the second day. The deadline for submission
of abstracts is March 15, 2004.
Commercialization: What's Working, What's Not
Ottawa, 9 November, 2004
Research Money once again shines the spotlight on
the federal government's innovation agenda. Join key players from business,
government and academia to examine what's working and what's not with
research commercialization.
Calgary, 17-18 November, 2004
This first annual western Canadian Innovation Conference, hosted by the Centre for Innovation Studies (THECIS), will address a wide range of issues in innovation including cluster, education, public-private partnerships and financing innovation. This conference provides a forum for the innovation community in western Canada to network, review the latest developments and work to find solutions to common problems. Day 1 has eight sessions, and Day 2 has four Workshops, on BioProducts, Energy, ICT, and Manufacturing.
Turin-Milan, 18-21 May, 2005
The 5th Triple Helix Conference will bring together researchers interested in the interaction between University, Government and Industry. The conference program will include 10 Track Sessions per day, made up of paper sessions dedicated to individual scientific contributions, workshops on selected specific themes and panels intended for industrial experts and policy makers. The organizers invite contributions on issues related to the conference theme: economics of innovation, organizational sociology, regional policy, business & management, cognitive economics, finance, law & economics, industrial economics, scientific and technology policy, and political science.
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This newsletter is prepared by Jen
Nelles.
Project manager is David
A. Wolfe.
