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Ontario's Regional Economic Development and Innovation NewsletterIssue #129
May 15, 2006
Studies & Publications: Announcements | Editor's Pick | Innovation Policy |Clusters
and Innovation Events
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] Manufacturers Expecting Tougher Times Manufacturers are expecting tougher times ahead according to the April Business Conditions Survey, due in part to the effects of the higher Canadian dollar and substantial increases in the price of crude oil and other raw material inputs. As a result, manufacturers are anticipating lower production and employment levels in the coming three months.
Innovation Capabilities: Comparing Science and Innovation Employment in Canadian and US Cities Desmond Beckstead and Mark Brown, Statisitcs Canada In recent years, cities have become increasingly interested in their ability to generate, attract and retain human capital. One measure of human capital is employment in science- and engineering-based occupations. This paper provides a comparison of the employment shares of these specialized occupations across Canadian and U.S. cities by using data from the Canadian and the U.S. censuses from 1980-1981 and 2000-2001. The paper, therefore, provides a perspective on how Canadian cities performed relative to their U.S. counterparts over a twenty-year period. It also seeks to evaluate how cities of different sizes have performed, because large cities may be advantaged in meeting the demand for, and supply of, scientists and engineers. INNOVATION & RELATED POLICY [Table of Contents] Movement of Star Scientists and Engineers and High-Tech Firm Entry Lynne Zucker and Michael Darby, NBER This paper extends the concept of star scientist to all areas of science and technology. It follows 1,838 stars' careers 1981-2004, using their publication history to locate them each year. The number of stars in a U.S. region, or in one of the top-25 science and technology countries, has a consistently significant and quantitatively large positive effect on the probability of firm entry in the same area of science and technology. Thus the stars themselves rather than their potentially disembodied discoveries play a key role in the formation or transformation of high-tech industries. Other measures of academic knowledge stocks have weaker and less consistent effects. The authors find that tars become more concentrated over time, moving from areas with relatively few peers to those with many in their discipline. A special counter-flow operating on the U.S. versus the other 24 countries is the tendency of foreign-born American stars to return to their homeland when it develops sufficient strength in their area of science and technology. In contrast high impact articles and university articles and patents all tend to diffuse, becoming more equally distributed over time. Local Futures This report examines the state of 'well-being' in Britain - the target of the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan and local authority regeneration and community strategies up and down the country. It assesses well-being from three different perspectives – economic, social, environmental – then in the concluding chapter summarizes findings and considers the implications for Government and local policy makers. The report is designed to provide a thought-provoking analysis of ‘local futures’ across Britain in a knowledge economy era. The report encourages a new localism, but one that can only succeed with better local geographical knowledge and intelligence. This document is designed to provide this resource and is intended for all those with an interest in local futures in Britain.
CLUSTERS & REGIONS [Table ofContents Innovation Clusters in the European Regions CRENoS This research paper investigates on the presence of innovation clusters in the European regions. The analysis is based on a databank set up by CRENoS on regional patenting at the European Patent Office classified by ISIC sectors, which considers 175 regions of 17 countries in Europe. The analysis is implemented for 23 manufacturing sectors to assess for the presence of significant differences in their spatial features. From Meltingpot Cities to Boomtowns: Redefining the Way We Talk About America's Cities National League of Cities The study addresses the growing complexity and diverse conditions facing America’s cities. The study offers a new look at the conventional labels of urban, suburban and rural, and moves toward a more useful framework for policymakers at all levels to see cities in a new way and to better understand their challenges. The United States is home to more than 19,000 cities, each confronted with challenges and choices unique to their perspective. For example, many suburbs, especially suburbs near urban core cities, have become some of the most racially and ethnically diverse places in metropolitan areas, typically a central city characterization. The new "city types" represent an effort to develop a more accurate reflection of the changing nature of the municipal landscape and the diversity that exists among cities and can be used to address a variety of policy issues from finance, governance and inequality to housing and transportation. Revitalizing Weak Market Cities Bruce Katz, The Brookings Institution This presentation, given at The Council on Foundations, outlines the Brookings Weak Market Cities Project, its preliminary findings, and the preliminary framework for policy reform. It argues that the environment for U.S. cities today is generally positive. But some cities have not fully realized many of the advantaged enjoyed by more successful urban areas. The Project identifies 59 "weak market" cities.
STATISTICS & INDICATORS [Table ofContents] Ernst & Young This report is based on a survey conducted in September 2005 by Ipsos Reid, involving the leaders of companies from a wide cross-section of the Alberta technology sector. The report captures the opinions of 128 of Alberta’s high-tech company leaders. It finds that the unprecedented boom in Alberta’s oil and gas industry isn’t preventing the province’s top technology leaders from thinking about leaving the province in search of greener funding pastures. Virtually every respondent (99%) believes the province’s economy is strong, yet nearly half have considered or would consider relocating outside the province—with a fifth of these businesses citing better access to funding as the primary reason for thinking about relocation. Other concerns cited in the report include Alberta's market size, the rising Canadian dollar, interest rates, and the availability of talent. Transitions: Venture Capital Insight Report Ernst & Young
EVENTS [Table of Contents] EURADA - Second World Forum on Regional Economic Development Madeira, Portugal, 15-17 May, 2006 In a global economy based on knowledge, regions can develop competitive advantages by relying on talent, entrepreneurship and innovation. Both in Europe and elsewhere in the world, regions implement strategies and measures aiming at : creating and attracting talent; supporting the creation and development of new enterprises: facilitating their access to support services and sources of finance; promoting the emergence of knowledge-based regions through the exploitation of research results and the setting up of key actors networks. The Second World Forum on Regional Economic Development is a unique opportunity for you to exchange ideas and best practice with experts and practitioners in local and regional development from countries and regions all over the world. Conference attendees also have the opportunity to register for the DIME training day on "Policy Platforms: The New Approach to Regional Innovation Strategies" announced separately below. Ottawa, 16 - 17 May, 2006 The Statistics Canada Socio-economic Conference
provides an annual forum for empirical research focusing on issues of
concern to Canadian public policy. The conference focuses on studies
discussing: emerging economic trends and their underlying causes;
DIME Training Day: Regional Innovation Strategies: Constructing Advantage through Platform Policies Madeira, Portugal, 17 May, 2006 It has become clear that there are three overwhelming areas of demand for training on the part of policy-makers with economic, innovation and regional development responsibilities . In broad terms, these are the following, in descending order of urgency: Regional Innovation Systems and Local Industry Clusters, Knowledge Economies, and Globalisation of Science, Technology & R&D. Put in simple language, policy makers are interested in understanding and becoming Technological Top Regions (TTRs) or ‘Hot Spots’ Accordingly, and in line also with EU DG Research’s recent commissioning of DIME and PRIME (a separate FP 6 NoE) advice on the construction of regional advantage (CRA) the program aims to assist policy makers to evolve policy mechanisms to facilitate the achievement of these regional aspirations.
Atlanta Conference on S&T Policy Atlanta, 18-20 May, 2006 Both the U.S. and Europe see innovation as central to the future growth and vitality of their economies. Policies to encourage innovation need to lead in institutional learning and change across sectors. This conference explores the research base that informs those policies, in current international context. It aims to stimulate dialog among policy makers, analysts, and scholars, covering both what we know and what we need to know to frame effective science and technology policies and to help advance the research agenda of the field. Proposals for papers and sessions are due February 1.
Southwest
Economic Development Assembly Stratford, Ontario, 23-24 May, 2006 This Assembly is being held in collaboration with the University of Western Ontario, the University of Windsor and the University of Waterloo. The intent of the Assembly is to bring together a select group of people from a variety of sectors to build strategies that will fuel prosperity across our region. The Assembly will provide an opportunity for leaders to collaborate, develop plans for greater cooperation and find solutions to the challenges we face regionally. Future economic prosperity in the Southwest will be guaranteed by strong leadership and cooperation. The first Economic Assembly will share information, encourage cooperation of private and public sectors, and explore the willingness of participants to work on shared agendas with measurable results. We hope to draw wide-ranging participation from all sectors of the economy, but will focus the program on four sectors that are essential to prosperity in the Southwest region: trade and manufacturing, knowledge-based industry (health, education and R&D), agriculture and agrifood, and tourism and culture. International Conference on Transnational Technology Transfer Darmstadt, Germany, 30-31 May, 2006 Innovation and technological change are the main drivers of economic growth and the key to competitiveness both on national and international level. Successful innovation depends considerably on the ability to efficiently exploit and commercialize knowledge. This is achieved today with growing transnational transfer and exchange of knowledge and technologies. However, there is still a lot that needs to be learned. This conference focuses on successful models of international knowledge transfer and networked innovation activities. Toronto, 5-6 June, 2006 The 2006 Ontario R&E Summit being hosted by ORION and MaRS and being held in the new MaRS Discovery District Collaboration Centre. This event is promoted as "Ontario's definitive annual gathering for the research and education community, inspiring innovation through collaboration technologies and expertise". MaRS is a non-profit corporation aimed at improving commercial outcomes from Canada's foundation of science and technology innovation. The Collaboration Centre, opened last May, is a "convergence innovation centre" located in Toronto's refurbished and hip Discovery District. Changing Foresight Practices in Regional Development: Global Pressures and Regional Possibilities Turku, Finland, 7-9 June, 2006 The future of regions is dependent on proactive interaction between companies, universities and public actors. The aim of the conference is to discuss the different strategic possibilities of regions under the rapidly changing pressures of globalizing world. The key questions are: How regional actors can cope in a global economy? What are the new ways to study and explore the future of regions? How to enhance regional co-operation and networking? What are the strategic keys to prosperous regional futures? Does creativity strengthen regions? How general foresight and development theories can strengthen regional development in practice? How companies can shape their regional strategies in globalizing economy? The conference will consist of several keynote addresses and parallel sessions.
Athens, Greece, 11-14 June, 2006 The 2006 International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) Conference will be held in Athens this summer. Many topics will be discussed such as: academic-industry networks for innovation, learning and the entrepreneurial mindset, managing knowledge, SMEs: opportunities & threats, public policy to stimulate networks. Deadline for submitting an abstract: January 27, 2006.
9th Uddevalla Symposium 2006: Entrepreneurship and Development - Local Processes and Global Patterns Fairfax, Virginia, 15-17 June, 2006 The conference organizing committee will be accepting
abstracts until the 28th of February, 2006. Keep checking the conference
website for more news and information. International Conference on Technology Policy and Innovation: Science, Society and Sustainability Santorini, Greece, 18-21 June, 2006 The choice of the ICTPI Greece 2006 theme, “Science,
Society and Sustainability” was based on the outcomes of the recent
national Technology Foresight (TF) exercise (Greece 2001-2021), emphasizing
these three key factors and their interactions as critical for the emergence
of a knowledge-based economy and society. Scholars interested in presenting
at this conference should submit a paper for consideration before March
15, 2006. Toronto, 19-20 June, 2006 CANMEDBIO is an emerging technology showcase, seminar and partnering program for the CANadian MEDical device and BIOtechnology industries. Be a part of the event that will encourage increased commercialization of Canadian innovations and technology. Successful commercialization involves face-to-face connections between and among innovators, investors and companies. Moreover, commercial success is dependant on the financing and partnering companies can achieve to bring innovations to a global market. Innovation, Competition and Growth: Shumpeterian Perspectives Sophia-Antipolis, 22-24 June, 2006 Recent developments in economics have gone from the recognition of the importance of innovation (early studies of innovation, exogenous growth models) to the exploration of innovation mechanisms (more refined microeconomic and sectoral studies of innovation) to the incorporation into economic models of the results of the previous research (endogenous growth, evolutionary models). An important lesson to be drawn from all this research is that a purely macro-based analysis of growth is not enough. The ISS 2006 conference aims at favouring dialogue amongst open minded researchers sharing a common interest in innovation and in the work of Schumpeter. The following subjects provide examples of topics about which the dialogue could be especially fruitful. The growing importance of knowledge and of human capital, increasing returns and path dependence, the role of variety in economic growth, the role of time and importance of business history, the co-evolution of technology and institutions, the economics of agglomeration are just some examples of subjects that will be discussed at this years event.
Saskatoon, 8-10 August, 2006 The World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations Biennial Congress – WAITRO 2006 – is an opportunity for the research and technology community worldwide to come together to learn from each other and from invited experts. WAITRO participants include potential collaborators from research and technology organizations in other parts of the world to develop projects of common interest. Representatives of International Finance Institutions and International Development Agencies will be present to assist in formulating projects that address the needs of the developing world. The Future of Science Technology and Innovation Policy Sussex, 11-13 September, 2006 This conference, besides celebrating the 40th Anniversary of SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research), offers the opportunity to engage in a critical evaluation of the present and future research agenda of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) field. This conference seeks to explore empirical, theoretical and applied policy approaches that can enable us to conceptualize the contradictory nature of modern science and technology and innovation, and thus provide practical policy guidance. Such a conference is particularly timely because many of the existing conceptual frameworks are apparently undergoing a period of what Kuhn called 'normal science' where their assumptions are rarely questioned, and where they are institutionally and academically isolated from criticism. We aim to identify fruitful new ways forward in the field of STI policy by subjecting these established frameworks to structured debate and critical evaluation. The conference will be organized in the form of plenary sessions, parallel sessions and set debates. It will cover a series of broad themes. These include: Ownership, Accountability and Relevance of Science - for example, the deficiencies of peer review, the pros and cons of patenting in universities, the shifting boundary between public and private knowledge, and processes for allocating resources between disciplines. Technology, Security and Sustainability - for example, the dual relationship between technology and security, changing environment and energy policy, the balance between sustainability and growth, and the role of technology in sustainable development. Dynamics of Innovation Interfaces - for example, the management and dynamics of innovation across different levels (such as individuals, groups, firms, sectors, networks and systems), user-centred innovation processes vs. producer-centered innovation processes, and the connection between innovation and entrepreneurship.
Blue Sky II: What Indicators for Science, Technology and Innovation Policies in the 21st Century? Ottawa, 25-27 September, 2006 This forum will examine new areas for indicator development and set a broad agenda for future work on science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators. Emphasis will be placed on indicators of outcomes and impacts in order to support monitoring, benchmarking, foresight activity, and evaluation, applied to policies and programs, and their economic and social impacts. The Forum is expected to provide ideas and guidance for indicators work in both OECD and non OECD countries, as well as in their international organizations. The Forum will include plenary sessions featuring invited guest speakers who are leading authorities in their fields. Break-out sessions will discuss papers on specific themes selected through a call for papers. New Generation Innovation: New Approaches and Policy Designs Atlanta, 27-29 September, 2006 Particular areas of interest include: new developments in university-industry relationships, new strategies for technology-based local and regional economic development, technology transfer to and from the public sector, trajectories for emerging technologies. All session proposals, paper proposals and abstracts should be submitted electronically not later than Friday, May 12, 2006.
The
9th Annual Conference of the Competitiveness Institute (TCI): The Role
of Cluster Governance and Companies' Involvement in Clusters Initiatives
The goal of this conference is to share ideas, build alliances and explore the best modes of economic development. Additionally information is offered about specific clusters, introductory courses on cluster theory and presentations given by an array of world experts (academics, businesses and institutions).The main topics include competitiveness, innovation, cluster initiatives, industrial organization and corporate change. The theme of the 9th conference will be "Governance and business involvement in cluster initiatives". SUBSCRIPTIONS & COMMENTS [Table of Contents] 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 onris.progris@utoronto.ca.
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