Getting the Deal Done: Unlocking Innovation from Within Canadian Universities
Toronto, Oct 31, 2007 – Five young Canadians from the Action Canada program, a national fellowship for young leaders, released recommendations on how intellectual property from Canadian universities can be unlocked to bring new ideas and companies to market to make Canada a world leader in innovation.
“University inventions have the potential to improve our health and safety, protect our environment, and make our businesses more productive and competitive,” said task force member Sana Halwani. “We are seriously underperforming and this problem must be addressed.”
The report presents 10 recommendations aimed at making technology transfer a priority, improving speed of innovation going to market, and ensuring proper investment in commercialization at Canadian Universities. The full report can be found at www.innovation-action.ca in both English and French.
In May 2007, the Government of Canada launched its Science and Technology Strategy, highlighting the importance of research and development to the economic growth of Canada. The Action Canada task force study urges Canadian policy-makers to take action before Canada slips further behind in the race to a knowledge economy.
Action Canada is a unique Canadian leadership development program created in 2002 by Vancouver businessman Sam Belzberg and Simon Fraser University president emeritus Jack Blaney. Their goal was to build leadership for Canada’s future by identifying young Canadians who had shown ability, initiative and commitment to Canada, and by developing their skills, enriching their understanding of the country and establishing a Fellows’ network for the future. Information may be found at the Action Canada website at www.actioncanada.ca
For further information, please contact:
David Kelton
Media Relations
Getting the Deal Done: Unlocking Innovation from Within Canadian Universities
(647) 403-0741
