I-CAN DigestFALL 2008 Edition |
 |
Report from the ChairWe hope you enjoy this first effort at an Innoventures Canada Newsletter. This "I-CAN Digest" is not intended to be a splash periodical. Rather, we aim to make it a quarterly update to provide regular information to our members, their employees, as well as the members of other organization whom might consider joining our unique, national consortium. If we can add new groups with research and development abilities different from our existing members, we will strengthen our resolve to become even more competitive on the national and global stages - and we will have more great success stories to add to the ones contained in this newsletter. |
Upcoming EventsMembers' Workshop I-CAN Annual Meeting Jasper Innovation Forum | |
September Board MeetingThe I-CAN Board met in Winnipeg on September 25 along with four I-CAN member advocates. Advocates are designated I-CAN Liaison persons from each I-CAN member organization. The extensive agenda included reviews of current I-CAN projects, discussion of potential new project opportunities, mechanisms to engage I-CAN members more effectively and a wide range of basic business and administrative issues. Governance documents and policies were accepted, including a governance framework, Board mandate and audit committee charter. |
Directors' MeetingsDec. 1, 2008 - Toronto April 3, 2009 - Sudbury June 10, 2009 - Jasper Sept. 1, 2009 - Saskatoon Dec. 1, 2009 - Vancouver Guests always welcome | |
Carbon Algae Recycling SystemPhase 1 of the I-CAN Carbon Algae Recycling System (CARS) micro-algae project was funded by the federal, Quebec and Alberta governments, plus nearly a dozen companies. The national project team is led by Quinn Goretzky. An independent expert review of the $580,000 feasibility study has confirmed sufficient potential to proceed into the next phase - pilot studies. About half the funding is now committed for the $3 million lab pilot, with work expected to commence later this fall. This is expected to be followed by a multi-million dollar field pilot. This project has been recognized across Canada for its unique approach to the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. |
Pine Beetle Research PartnershipIn September, I-CAN and the Alberta Newsprint Company formally announced the $28 million Pine Beetle Research Partnership. Government is providing more than $10 million and industry $17 million to support installation of a full-scale test facility to develop new operating procedures for processing pine beetle affected wood. The know-how will be disseminated to industry across Canada through the I-CAN membership.
|
MembershipSince incorporation, I-CAN has welcomed six new members. They are:
I-CAN now comprises 10 members in eight provinces and 16 communities across Canada with a combined budget in excess of $400 million and over 2,400 staff. Our members bring different skill sets and resources to the group to enable us to become a stronger team and avoid a duplication of services. We look forward to hearing from officials with other prospective agencies. |
INNOVATION POLICYCanadian public policy has hooked its wagon to the linear model that assumes innovation is the commercialization of science. Based on that assumption, governments continue to pour money into academic research. But, Canada’s innovation performance shows that the linear policy does not address the challenge of innovation very effectively. Evidence shows that 80 to 90% of innovation is actually market-based and relies upon the support of organizations like the groups that belong to I-CAN. We have attached two papers (at right) for your use that we trust will help you make this point quite effectively. We encourage you to share these documents with your friends and associates and politicians in your area. We also encourage your response to these ideas and any presentations and papers that you may wish us to help you share with the I-CAN membership. |
Innovation ArticlesJohn McDougall |