Issue #165
February 15, 2008
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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 Research and Innovation. The views and ideas expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Ontario Government.
ANNOUNCEMENTS [Table of Contents]
Ontario Medical and Assistive Technologies (MAT) Tech-Industry Roadmap Released
A new online map was recently launched that charts Ontario's Medical and Assistive Technologies (MAT) sector has the potential to serve as an invaluable tool for Ontario companies, researchers and support organizations across this industry. Working collaboratively to bring together industry sectors and leading researchers , htx.ca - The Health Technology Exchange (HTX) and the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. have developed the Medical and Assistive Technologies Ontario Industry Map. With the click of a mouse, users can easily navigate through the MAT sector, seeing how each company fits within the industry landscape. From pain management to prosthetics, this online tool helps researchers, universities, hospitals plot a course to find the medical technologies company they seek, while learning about related businesses and emerging markets.
British Columbia's New Bio-Energy Strategy
The BC Bioenergy Strategy will create new opportunities for rural communities; spur new investment and innovation; and help British
Columbia reach the goal of becoming electricity self-sufficient by 2016, Premier Gordon Campbell announced recently. Within the next decade, the strategy will help the Province achieve targets for electricity self-sufficiency and reliability, zero net greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation projects and increased use of biofuels in diesel and gasoline in B.C. As part of the strategy, the Province will seek legislative approval for $25 million in funding to establish a provincial Bioenergy Network for greater investment and innovation in B.C. bioenergy projects and technologies.
The National Research Council (NRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) have implemented a joint strategy to accelerate the commercialization of publicly-funded research that builds upon the individual strengths and complementary roles of these organizations. NRC, NSERC and BDC have identified a series of initiatives to meet this goal. A Steering Committee, with representatives from each Partner organization, is implementing these initiatives. Through this cooperative initiative, ultimately the results of publicly funded research and technology development will be more effectively transferred to market, thus benefiting the three partners' clients, colleagues, and the Canadian economy.
Ontario Boosts Technology in Hamilton
Ontario is investing in tomorrow's high-tech leaders through an award-winning program at McMaster University and Mohawk College. The government's $16.5-million investment will expand a joint technology program to help meet the high demand for skilled workers. New classrooms and computer labs will use new technology to train students for careers in IT, manufacturing, civil engineering and energy. The program also helps internationally-trained professionals find jobs in Ontario.
EDITOR'S PICK [Table of Contents]
Cities and Growth: Knowledge Spillovers in the Adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
W. Joung Yeo Angela No, Statistics Canada
This paper examines the presence of knowledge spillovers that affect the adoption of advanced technologies in the Canadian manufacturing sector. It examines whether plants that adopt advanced technologies are more likely to do so when there are other nearby plants that do so within a model of technology adoption.
INNOVATION & RELATED POLICY [Table of Contents]
Three Policies to Improve Productivity Growth in Canada
Andrew Sharpe, Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS)
This paper makes the case that productivity is Canada’s economic destiny and that Canada’s relatively low productivity performance, both from a historical and international perspective, therefore represents a large economic challenge. It puts forward three specific policies to improve Canada’s productivity performance: foster the diffusion of best-practice technologies; remove the provincial sales tax on purchases of machinery and equipment; and promote interprovincial movement of workers by improving labour market information, removing professional barriers to labour mobility, and establishing a tax credit for interprovincial job search. It finds that the short-term costs of these policies would be greatly outweighed by the long-term benefits associated with their implementation.
Innovation Systems, Innovation Modes and Processes of Commercialization
NIFU-STEP
The papers presented in this volume are the main results of a strategic institute program organised during 2006-2007 at NIFU STEP on “Innovation processes in an evolutionary perspective”. Those papers are: “Outsourcing knowledge appropriation”, “Financial systems, open innovation and technological regimes: A theoretical discussion”, “‘Nordic design’ in innovation policy: Embedding Collaborative Social Relations in Developmental Constellations. Lessons from a case study”, “The relationship between a university and its technology transfer office: the case of NTNU in Norway”, “Barriers to commercialization of knowledge in emerging technological regimes – a comparison of marine biotechnology and mobile commerce”, “On the role of academic staff as entrepreneurs in university spin-offs – case studies of biotechnology firms in Norway”, “Innovation in the public sector – identifying the concept and the systems of innovations”.
High Impact-factor Journals: Analysis of Canada’s Place in Science and Nature since 1980
Observation S&T
This Note of Observation S&T is devoted to the analysis of Science and Nature. After a comprehensive portrait of the two scientific periodicals, it examines the importance of the countries, Canadian provinces and Canadian institutions’ contribution to articles published by in them. Finally, it presents an analysis of the network of institutional collaborations within the two periodicals.
CITIES, CLUSTERS & REGIONS [Table of Contents]
Factors and Mechanisms Causing the Emergence of Local Industrial Clusters: A Meta-Study of 159 Cases
Thomas Brenner and Andre Muehlig, Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Economics
Local industrial clusters have attracted much attention in the recent economic and geographical literature. A huge number of case studies have been conducted. This paper presents a meta-analysis of the case studies of 159 local industrial clusters in various countries and industries. Based on an overview of the various theories and arguments about the emergence of such clusters in the
literature, it analyzes the involvement of 35 different local conditions and processes, providing a summary on the knowledge gathered in these case studies with a comparison between continents, new and old clusters, and high- and low-tech industries.
Waterloo-Guelph Economic Outlook
BMO
Following impressive growth in previous years, economic momentum in the region slowed in 2007. In 2008, the area’s economy continues to face challenges, but will begin to turn around with GDP posting a moderate 1.5% advance this year. Strong growth will return in 2009, with projected economic growth of 2.7% during 2009-2012, outpacing both the Ontario and Canadian economies.
According to the report, a number of factors will contribute to this above-average growth, including: solid population growth supporting residential construction and retail sales; spillovers from the excellent educational institutions in the area which will fuel business creation; and the area’s industrial mix, including the burgeoning high-tech sector.
STATISTICS & INDICATORS [Table of Contents]
PolicyOne Research
The latest edition of the Maine Innovation Index shows that Maine is making progress in building a strong base for future innovative and entrepreneurial activities. The index, prepared for the Maine Office of Innovation by PolicyOne Research, assesses state performance and capacities in five broad categories: Research and Development, Innovation, Employment and Output, Education, and Connectivity. In recent years, the Maine economy has performed quite well in key areas such as entrepreneurial activity, education skills of middle schoolers, and connectivity. It has performed less well in R&D performance, attraction of venture capital investments, and the critical metric of per capita income improvements. Maine has been tracking its innovation performance for more than ten years, and most trends appear to moving in a positive direction.
High Technology Indicators: Technology-Based Competitiveness of 33 Nations - 2007 Report
Alan L Porter, et al., NSF
High Tech Indicators – Traditional - 2007 [“HTI(T)-07”] compares the technological competitiveness of 33 nations, including a large number of industrializing economies. This continues a series prepared every three years since the late 1980’s.This report presents the traditional Georgia Tech High Tech Indicators (“HTI”) for 2007. It provides time series comparisons for 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002/3, 2005, and 2007. These compare 33 countries on a present competitiveness indicator, Technological Standing. It also provides four leading indicators – National Orientation, Socioeconomic Infrastructure, Technological Infrastructure, and Productive Capacity – that point toward future competitiveness prospects. It does not report HTI findings here, other than to note that China has replaced the USA at the top on Technological Standing. This reflects certain peculiarities of HTI, but more importantly,
an astounding rise over the past 15 years.
POLICY DIGEST [Table of Contents]
2007 Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
The report continues to benchmark Massachusetts in 20 indicators against selected states – California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. New to this year’s edition, the Index benchmarks Massachusetts and the other states relative to other countries from around the world. This global perspective allows the selected state economies to be compared to countries typically considered the most innovative or competitive. International benchmarks are present throughout the four main sections of the report, which outline trends in R&D investment, human capital and workforce development, growth in specific industry clusters, and export trade and immigration. The 20 indicators used to compare the benchmarked states are organized into three broad categories - economic impact, innovation processes and innovation potential - that are designed so that Massachusetts’ relative standings can be used to comprehend the dynamism of the state’s economy and its economic opportunities and threats. The Ontario economy faces many of the same challenges and opportunities which makes the findings of this report particularly salient for future economic development.
Key findings of the study can be divided into four categories: Investment and R&D, Trade and Immigrant Links, Human Capial and Workforce Readiness, and Growth in Key Industry Clusters.
Investment and R&D:
Trade and Immigrant Links:
Human Capital and Workforce Readiness:
Growth in Key Industry Clusters:
While many Innovation Economy dynamics are global—driven by larger markets, increased cross border business activity, and easier human mobility—it is the local, more native weaknesses that could limit the success the Massachusetts Innovation Economy enjoys in a globalized world. It is apparent from both domestic and global data that emerging and established global hubs of
innovation are maturing and are doing so directly in the areas of innovation that are at the heart of Massachusetts key historical advantages. With regard to workforce talent, Massachusetts must, at a minimum, keep pace with other global regions to ensure a competent and capable workforce. The state would derive critical long-term benefits from increased efforts to foster an interest in science and mathematics in young students and in increasing overall enrollments in undergraduate and tertiary education. Already intense competition will continue to ratchet up for scientific and technological talent as developing economies demonstrate a renewed commitment to and elevated performance in educational enrollments, attainment and graduates, in disciplines such as math, engineering, and science.
EVENTS [Table of Contents]
Regions for Economic Change - Sharing Excellence
Brussels, 25-26 February, 2008
More than 500 participants from regions all over Europe are expected to discuss how European regional policy and its instruments can help regions to learn from one another and translate network outputs into action through mainstream policy and programs. Through nine workshops, the event will showcase strategies, experiences and projects intended to provide learning and networking opportunities for Structural Funds managing authorities.
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.
Knowledge in Space and Time: Economic and Policy Implications of Knowledge-Based Economy
Strasbourg, France, 7-9 April, 2008
Contemporary economic, social and geopolitical developments are strongly influenced by two trends: the increasing globalization of the economy and the rise of the knowledge society. This confronts Europe with major organizational challenges. The DIME (Dynamics of Institution and Markets in Europe) Network of Excellence aims to analyze the dynamic features of these processes. The “DIME-vision” is strongly rooted in the idea of multi-level governance as a way of solving many collective problems related to the generation and use of knowledge in the European society at large. Because of the localized and tacit character of knowledge, and its embodiment in specific communities of practice and networks of practitioners, it is essential to take into account the spatial nature of knowledge generation and exchange activities as well as sectoral industrial structure and the configuration of organizations. Indeed, proximity (both in a spatial and organizational sense) plays an essential role in the circulation of knowledge. In April 2008, DIME will be ending its 3rd year of existence. At this occasion, we aim to create an opportunity for the presentation of the most salient dimensions of DIME research, and to open a space for debating them with a broader community.
Second Conference on Micro Evidence on Innovation and Development
Beijing, China, 21-23 April, 2008
The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers from around the world to discuss the importance and the different dimensions of innovation in relation with economic growth and development. Contributions based on micro data from firm or household surveys, case studies and cross country comparative analyses are particularly wanted. In this second Conference, a particular emphasis will be put on innovation in China and other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa) countries. Contributions on other countries, in particular developing countries, are also welcome.
Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX) 
Toronto, 29-30 April, 2008
CIX will showcase the best and brightest entrepreneurs and shine a spotlight on emerging technologies. The two-day event will feature an innovation marketplace, flash-forward presentations on the state of technology, and facilitated networking opportunities. Co-chairs of CIX are Robert Montgomery, a private investor and CEO of Achilles Media; Sean Wise, Managing Director of Wise Mentor Capital and former Chair of the Canadian Venture Forum; and Rick Nathan, Managing Director of Kensington Capital Partners Limited and President of CVCA, Canada's Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. CIX is intended to fill a void in the marketplace for an efficient and cost-effective meeting place leading to the development of innovative companies. CIX is geared towards: CEOs, CIOs and CTOs of public and private companies interested in innovation; Founders of fast growing startups; Members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem including banks, lawyers and government officials; and sources of capital.
Creative Construct: Building for Culture and Creativity
Ottawa, 29 April to 1 May, 2008
This symposium will bring together participants from around the world to exchange the latest ideas and practices on the development of cultural and creative spaces; cultural planning and investment strategies for cultural infrastructure and cultural districts; and collaborative approaches to enhancing the cultural vitality, creative potential, and competitiveness of cities and communities. The international symposium includes keynote speakers, presentations, panels, and various styles of workshops to examine the role and importance of cultural infrastructure in furthering culture and creativity in cities and communities. The symposium will bring together diverse resources and expertise, and foster an exchange of knowledge and experience extending from grassroots opportunities to international issues.
Toronto, 6-8 May, 2008
BioFinance 2008 is a gathering of some of the most innovative minds in the life science 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.
9th International Digital Government Research Conference: Partnerships for Public Innovation
Montreal, 18-21 May, 2008
The 9th annual international conference is a forum for presentation and discussion of interdisciplinary digital government research and practice and its applications in diverse domains. The conference is presented by the Digital Government Society of North America (DGSNA), with major support from the US National Science Foundation. The conference theme, Partnerships for Public Innovation, focuses on information-intensive innovations in the public sector that involve linkages among government, universities, NGOs, and businesses. This theme emphasizes the importance of sharing practical issues, policy perspectives, research insights, and expert advice, in order to reach higher levels of performance in diverse public enterprises.
STI Indicators for Policy: Addressing New Demands from Stakeholders
Oslo, Norway, 28-30 May, 2008
The recent years have witnessed an extraordinary diversification of the demands for Science and Technology Indicators for policymaking and strategic decision of the actors involved in S&T policies. New demands have emerged as a consequence of the growing complexity of innovation systems at the regional, national and international level and of the needs of new indicators types to characterize the position and the linkages of individual actors (so-called positioning indicators). Whole new fields of indicators have emerged, like collaboration indicators, web indicators, indicators on human resources and mobility, while even in classical domains like input measurement existing indicators are no longer adequate to the needs of policy. The conference aims to provide a locus both for general methodological discussion concerning new indicators, their use in policymaking and the requirements for their production, and for presenting new developments in indicators for specific domains and policy issues, concerning their design, methodology, experimental development and application to policy analysis and decision-making.
Photonics North 2008: Closing the Gap Between Theory, Development and Application
Montreal, 2-4 June, 2008
The Photonics North event is thus a unique opportunity to visit a beautiful city, participate in an outstanding international event and meet with representatives from numerous innovative photonics companies.
Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneurship: 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.
Newcastle, UK, 4-5 September, 2008
It is generally acknowledged that regional economic success in Europe is dependent on an orientation towards a knowledge-based economy, typified either by high value added, creative and science-based industry, or a focus on advanced business services. For those regions lacking such advantages the emphasis of policy has been placed on developing new clusters of knowledge-based industries through a variety of measures including networking activities, university-based initiatives and support for new start-ups. A key problem though has been the absence of a clear understanding of what would constitute progress towards a knowledge-based economy, never mind what should be the most appropriate policies. One particular problem is the lack of consensus between quantitative and qualitative researchers on how to assess the state of the knowledge base and on the nature of the policy objectives. Through the inclusion of varieties of approaches to exploring the regional knowledge economy this seminar will offer opportunities to draw comparisons between the findings of various research strategies. In so doing, the seminar will stimulate a dialogue within which new developments may be initiated to bridge the various research communities and thereby offer new insights into the role of knowledge in regional economic development and subsequent policy implications.
PRIME International Conference 2008
Mexico City, 24-26 September, 2008
Both the Latin American and European countries recognize that innovation and knowledge are central to the future growth and vitality of their economies and the improvement of quality of life of their citizens. To be successful policies aimed at encouraging research and innovation should recognize the importance of specific institutional arrangements and adaptation to the different sectors and knowledge fields. The Europe-Latin America Conference on Science and Innovation Policy will explore the research/knowledge base, the factual and the normative principles that inform those policies, taking account of the current dynamic international context, promoting mutual learning between the communities of researchers, analysts, R&D managers and policy makers. The aim of the conference is: to stimulate the exchange of experiences about science, technology and innovation policies in Latin America and European countries to promote mutual learning, improve the quality of the research in the field, enhance the impact of the research in the policy making and foster the diffusion of the best practices amongst countries of Europe and Latin America, considering an adequate balance between convergence and diversity.
GLOBELICS International Conference 2008
Mexico City, 24-26 September, 2008
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. The conference will be organized around the following themes on the following issues: Innovation, economic development and inequality (Education, Health, Employment, Migration, Gender Equity, Income Distribution). The conditions for developing sustainable systems of innovation. Biofuel, energy systems, water supply, transport, tourism and sustainable development. The role of new ‘horizontal technologies’ (ICTs and biotechnologies). Innovation in indigenous knowledge systems and in traditional sectors (e.g. agriculture, handcraft, clothing, eco-tourism, etc.). Factors affecting differences in economic growth rates: convergence vs divergence in productivity and welfare standards. Patterns of sectoral catching-up. Globalization, autonomy/openness and development. The links between microeconomic learning and macroeconomic policies. Forces inducing learning and the expansion of domestic technological capabilities. Innovation, SME and local development. Factors of attractiveness and embeddedness of the MNCs in local/regional/national systems. Privatization of knowledge, Intellectual Property Right (IPR) and development. International cooperation and national innovation policies to face global challenges (poverty, diseases, natural disasters).
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