Centre for Innovation Studies

This newsletter is published by The Centre for Innovation Studies in partnership with Calgary Technologies Inc. It's purpose is to communicate news and information of interest to individuals involved with innovation in Alberta active in industry, government or university.

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RESEARCH
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Communication and Leadership Keys to Success
In a study by Hewitt Associates in partnership with the Globe and Mail entitled, "The 50 Best Companies to Work For in Canada finds that communication and a good leadership strategy are keys to placing companies in a top 50 ranking. This study is the only national account of companies ranked primarily by employees. The report analyzed data from over 34 000 employees at 161 companies. The study found that companies on the list share similar traits including a higher percentage of engaged employees, excellent communication by senior leadership, and employee programs that are aligned with business strategy. The study can be found in the January issue of The Globe and Mail's R.O.B. Magazine.

Productivity Growth and Prosperity
A report relesased by Statistics Canada mid December indicates that average real income for Canadians from 1995 to 2000 grew substantially with an average of 2.8% per year indicating a doubling of the standard of living (doubling every 25 years). The report attributes these results to the boost in the labour market in the late 1990's and is the longest period of continuous positive growth in multifactor productivity during the last 20 years. The report also makes several comparisons for Canadian business sectors for the periods of 1981 to 1995 and from 1995 to 2000 showing the largest average annual growth rates in the "Communications and other utilities" sector at 2.6%.

"Building on Canada's Strength"
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released a report entitled, Building Canada's Strength: Small Business Outlook and Budget Priorities for 2003. The report highlights the critical role that small and medium sized businesses (SME's) play in the Canadian economy and considers their views and concerns for the upcoming budget. The total tax burden, government regulations and paper burden, and Employment Insurance (E.I.) are indicated as the top three concerns of small business owners. With respect to innovation, the the report recommends three budget measures; increase the RRSP limit from to $15,500 in 2003; raise the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1 million; and raise the federal Small Business Tax Threshold to $400,000 in the provinces of B.C., Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick. The report attributes the success of the 2002 Canadian economy to the performance in the SME sectors.

Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy - 2002
The Massachusetts Technology CollaborativeIn (MTC) has released the 2002 Index of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy. The MTC Index measures the pace of innovation in Massachusetts in nine clusters representing approximately one quater of private employment. The clusters include software & communications services; innovation services; postsecondary education; diversified industrial support; financial services; healthcare technology; textiles & apparel; computer and communications hardware; and defense. The report compares the Massachusetts economy to that of other leading technology states such as California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. The results indicate that all of these states have suffered economic stress and is a likely result of a decline in investor confidence.

Economics of Collective Benchmarking Learning in Research and Innovation Policy
Marianne Paasi for the The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy has released a study concerning market and systemic failures in research and innovation policies under conditions of uncertainty and complexity. The paper discusses policy making as an adaptive process of coordination and coherence and uses benchmarking with rigorous methodology to guide country specific best practises to expolit various types of learning in policy formation.

Innovation Tomorrow
This paper was prepared by Ian Miles; Jeff Butler; Khaleel Malik and Steven Glynn, a group from PREST (Policy Research in Engineering, Science and Technology) at the University of Manchester. The aim of the study was to synthesise the new approaches to innovation policy required in a creative knowledge based economy. The links between innovation policy and other policies were identified and reviewed, in particular those relating to the legal and regulatory framework for innovation, with a view to providing analytical pointers for further co-ordination.

SME Input Available on Canada's Innovation Strategy
During the Summer of 2002 Inustry Canada distributed a survey to over 16 000 companies registered in Canadas Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) system and requested feedback on Canada's Innovation Agenda. The feedback were categorized into "issues" which were then grouped into more generic issues within the key themes; Creating New Knowledge and Bringing it to Market More Quickly, Developing Skills for the New Economy, Setting the Right Business and Regulatory Environment, and Strengthening Communities Across Canada. Online results are now available.

"Competing on Creativity: Placing Ontarios Cities in North American Context"
This paper was prepared by Meric Gertler, Richard Florida, Gary Gates, and Tara Vinodrai for the Ontario Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation and the Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. The report examines the relationship between talent, technology, creativity and diversity in city-regions in Ontario and Canada more generally and compares these factors to the relationships found to exist in American metropolitan regions. The authors found that these factors are strong economic drivers for Ontario and other Canadian city-regions and highlight the importance of urban centres in the knowledge economy. The findings stress the importance of collaborative efforts on the part of government, industry and individuals to encourage diversity and dynamism in urban centres for robust economic growth.

Biannual S &T Indicators Available
This biannual OECD publication provides a set of science and technology indicators from OECD member countries and eight non-member economies including Argentina, China, Israel, Romania, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovenia, and Chinese Taipei. The indicators examine the resources devoted to research and development, patent families, technology balance of payments and international trade in highly R&D-intensive industries. The methods implemented to calculate the underlying economic series is also provided. Series are presented for a reference year and for the last six years for which data are available.

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THECIS Innovation Club Breakfast: Supporting Innovation

Calgary, February 11, 2003

7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Come out and join us for a hot breakfast and listen to Harvey Weingarten and Howard Tennant speak on Supporting Innovation. The cost is $30 for members, $45 for non-members (Breakfast to be held at the Village Park Inn (VPI), 1804 Crowchild Trail NW).

Performance Measurement for the Real World How to Gather and Analyze Data Right
Calgary, Alberta, January 29, 2003
In response to the need of Calgary industry, Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) is participating in and Education Working Group to help Calgary's industrial community upgrade skills in areas of advanced technology. This full day workshop will be held at the Delta Bow Valley Hotel, 209 4 Ave. SE. For information or to register call 1-800-224-0848.

Space Technologies & Applications "Info Days"
Saint-Hubert, QC, February 3 to 5, 2003
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will be holding Info Days early February to showcase Earth and Environment and Demonstration Programs and the SpaceTechnologies Development Programs. The CSA views industry as the most efficient vehicle to generate and maximize the benefits of space technologies. Part of the mandate of the Info Days is to help industry explore possibilities and stimulate innovation in space technology.

"Attracting and Retaining Creative People"
Calgary, Alberta, February 4, 2003
Calgary Renaissance welcomes Richard Florida to Calgary to speak for two sessions over lunch in February. Session one is a working group on "Attracting and Retaining Creative People" and session two is called "The Rise of the Creative Class." Richard Florida is author of The Rise of the Creative Class: And How Its Transforming Work, Leisure Community and Everyday Life. Dr. Florida has a distinguished academic resume and has co-authored five other books, including Industrializing Knowledge; Beyond Mass Production; The Breakthrough Illusion; and more than 100 articles in academic journals. For more information call 541-9177.

Innovative Leadership Seminar: From Challenger to Champion
Calgary, Alberta, February 6, 2003
Edmonton, Alberta, February 7, 2003
As part of the Alberta Innovation Series, Alberta Innovation and Science presents a one day seminar led by Dr. Don Carmont, a training and development expert. Dr. Carmont holds over 30 years experience and has been recieved by audiences in over 30 countries. This seminar is geared towards helping team leaders, managers, and company executives develop and enhance the necessary leadership skills to create and sustain effective and innovative organizations.

2003 Emerging Issues Forum
Raleigh, North Carolina, February 10 to 11, 2003
This the year the Emerging Issues Forum assesses the effectiveness of traditional means of economic development and looks for new strategies for fostering high growth entrepreneurial firms. Of key interest is the role research universities play in the knowledge based economy. Keynote speakers topping the list include Mary Harney, Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister for Enterprise and Trade, Ireland, Richard Florida, Carnegie-Mellon University, and several others.

The Delphi Summit
Coronado Island, CA, February 10 - 12, 2003
The Delphi Summit in San Diego focuses in the areas of Enterprise Portals; Content/Document/Knowledge Management; Information Access and Retrieval; Real Time Enterprise/Team Collaboration; and Process Support and Integration. Day two of the Summit includes an open question and answer session with Dr. Peter Drucker and a closing session on "Making it Happen" that will integrate lessons from the summit into innovative solutions and services for organizations.

Concept to Capital Incubation Program
Calgary, Alberta, February 11, 2003
The next session of Calgary Technology Inc's Concept to Capital Incubation Program begins February 11 as a 12 week intensive. The program is held twice a year and is designed to help emerging technology companies refine business plans and secure early-stage financing from investors. The Concept to Capital program is aimed at early stage companies in the areas of information and communication technology (ICT), biosciences and advanced engineering sciences.

Technology Clusters - By Accident or Design?
Ottawa, Ontario, February 19, 2003
RE$EARCH MONEY brings a conference to the nation's capital on the process of cluster formation in technology centres - by accident or design. The conference is of interest to those involved in research, development, investment, community and economic development or policy.

Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo and Conference
Hong Kong, February 19-22, 2003
Team Canada Inc., in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) invites Canadian ICT companies to join them at the Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo (HK II Expo). The Expo was first established in 1998 as a platform for international companies and industry professionals to showcase their latest Information Communications Technology (ICT) products and services. Last year 33 Canadian companies attended the event.

THECIS Innovation Club: Innovation in Alternative Energy Workshop:
Calgary, Alberta, March 11, 2003
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Come and join us for a stimulating workshop on Alternative Energy. Guest speakers include Allan Amey, ClimateChange Central, Ron Britton,Fuel Cells Canada, Jeremy Hall, University of Calgary and Phil Prince, CERI. The cost is $55 for members, $65 for non-members. (Workshop to be held at the Village Park Inn (VPI), 1804 Crowchild Trail NW).

Knowledge, Economic And Social Change: New Challenges To Innovation Studies
Manchester, UK April 7 to 9, 2003
The goal of this conference is to bring together the innovation studies community to celebrate its role of knowledge creation and exploitation in driving economic and social change. The focus for the agenda will be the management of innovation and the development of new innovation policies, the themes and research questions they pose.

Linking Education, Learning and Innovation
Toronto, Ontario, April 13 to April 15, 2003
The Conference Board of Canada is holding two days of plenary sessions and "hands-on workshops" with the theme of building a culture of innovation through education and business.

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INFORMATION
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Western Canadian Cities Economic Leaders in Canada
The Conference Board of Canada released its Metro Outlook for Winter 2003. Calgary, Saskatoon, and Edmonton figure strongly as leaders in economic growth with Calgary forcast as the leader for 2004 - 2007. Calgary is expected to post nearly five per cent in real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2003 and continued growth is expected since the city is already running at full employment.

Mandatory Reporting of Green House Gas Emissions in Alberta
The Alberta Government announed late 2002 that it is working together with Alberta industry to establish mandatory tracking and reporting mechanisms for companies with large volumes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A draft proposal, Framework Proposal for an Alberta Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, indicates that facilities that emit more than 150,000 tonnes of GHG's, would be required to report on their emissions. Under the proposed program, companies will begin collecting emission data this year in preparation for mandatory reporting in 2004.

Green Fibres Build Alberta Industry
January 13, 2003-- AVAC announced a $317 500 investment in an Alberta based firm Canadian Fibretech Inc. through its Pre-Commercial and Entrepreneurial Investment Program. The investment is to aid in the development of "green" fibreboards created out of agricultural fibres such as canola, barley, and wheat straw. Canadian Fibretech's boards are seen as a friendly alternative to traditional particle boards and are an innovative and non-toxic solution in the agrivalue commodities market.

Atlantic Canada Enthusiastic About Innovation Fund
The November 27, 2002 deadline for project proposals for the Government of Canadas $300-million Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) has generated over $ 1 billion in project proposals. Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced early January that the ACOA received 174 proposals from research and business organizations requesting $545 million towards project costs weighted at over $ 1 billion. This was the second request for proposals put out by the ACOA.

Alberta Emerald Foundation Accepting Nominations
Nominations for this year's Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence are now open and the deadline is February 28th. One additional category has been added this year to recognize environmental initiatives by young people up to 25 years of age. The criteria for this category can be found on the nomination form and forms can be downloaded from the Alberta Emerald Foundation website. The Alberta Emerald Foundation recognizes excellence and leadership of Albertan's involved in promoting sustainable development and environmental awareness.

EU Redefines Meat
The new year brought in a new mandate for meat labelling in the Eurpean Union. As of January 1st all meat products must conform to new lablelling rules that will bring uniformity in meat lablelling in EU countries. The Directive was set up to improve consumer information on meat and meat products such that other parts of animals for human consumption such as heart, intestine, liver, fat, etc. will now have to be lablelled as such including the product's animal of origin.

SSHRC Ethics Committee- Call for Nominations
The Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics (PRE) has announced a public call for nominations for the creation of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Ethics Special Working Committee. The role of the committee will be to review documents and reports, consult with research participants, advise on priorities, and propose possible stratgies for addressing priority issues. The committee will hold responsibilities for one year with the possibility of renewal. Nominations, curriculum vitae and letters of interest are due by February 5, 2003.

New VP in New Ventures Division at ARC
The Alberta Research Council (ARC) welcomes Mr. Ronald Gilbertson as new appointed vice president of the New Ventures division. Mr. Gilbertson's position took effect December 16, 2002 and he is responsible for the ARC's commercialization programs.

ASIC 2003 Call for Papers
The Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) Division of ASAC is taking paper submissions or symposium proposals for the "New Paradigms for a New Millennium" conference in June 2003 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Submissions must be in to the Academic Reviewer by January 31, 2003.

==========================================================================================================================QUOTE "Innovators are inevitably controversial."
-- Eva Le Gallienne

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