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Implement Regional Innovation Systems Pilot Projects

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

To enhance regional innovation potential and competitiveness, our Government will coordinate and facilitate five Regional Innovation Systems pilot projects. The Regional Innovation Systems pilots will foster and support regional cooperation, build networks to support innovation, advance regional opportunities and promote and facilitate information sharing and collective action. The pilots do not include more operational structures, but rather a better way of advancing economic development through more formal cooperative approaches among existing players. Building on the work announced in Phase 1, by September 30, 2017, our Government will begin implementation of the five Regional Innovation Systems pilot projects located in:

  • Southern Labrador and Great Northern Peninsula related to fisheries and tourism;
  • Corner Brook and surrounding area related to forestry and agriculture;
  • Gander and surrounding area related to aerospace and defence;
  • Burin Peninsula with connections to Clarenville and area related to industrial technology development; and,
  • Avalon region related to ocean technology.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation completed detailed research about Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) models, consulted various stakeholders, and developed an implementation framework.
  • Information sessions were delivered, which focused on education and awareness about an RIS model for the pilot projects. More than 200 people participated.
  • A Steering Committee is established for each pilot. Each Committee will explore challenges and opportunities for existing and new technologies that are driven by innovation, research, development and strategic partnerships.
  • Over 80 steering committee members, including 35 businesses, are participating in the pilot projects, with representation from Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and ACOA on each pilot.
  • The goal of each committee is to identify two to four common and attainable initiatives that will lead to innovation in the sector/region.