Jalisco – Alberta R&D and Commercialization Program

Posted by Perspect

Integrated Innovation

Innovation … do we need it?

• What is innovation? — “something” that leads to the creation of economic and social value …

“Without innovation, companies and societies die”
Anthony William – Coauthor Wikinomics (paraphrased)

• Innovation is a “core business competency” today – necessary to be competitive in a global economy
• Must be aligned to your overarching business strategy (Mission)
• To differentiate must innovate – cant do it on price alone anymore

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”
Steve Jobs – Apple

Innovation Cycle

What is Integrated Innovation?

• Coordinated application of science and technology – social and business innovation to develop whole solutions to complex challenges.
• There is often risk aversion to adoption of ‘new’ technology – business and social inclusion mitigates this risk
• A collaborative user-centric approach and balance of innovative approaches will significantly enhance adoption and sustainability

  A collaborative user-centric approach and balance of innovative approaches will significantly enhance adoption and sustainability

Technology Innovation

• What technologies are necessary to address the problem?
• Can an existing product be modified?
• Is the technology feasible – market ready?
• Is it sustainable, scalable, accessible, affordable?

Social Innovation

• Simply, a social innovation is an idea that works for the public good – address major societal challenges
• Social challenges are seen as innovation opportunities
• Governments and industries see social innovation as a means to reap the potential untapped markets have to offer – enhancing their global competiveness …
• Come from individuals, groups or organizations, and can take place in the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors
• Jurisdictions / Regions must be able to take solution to scale before impact can become reality…
• MUST involve society in design – citizen centric approach to innovation

Business Innovation

Alignment to Jalisco / Alberta Program

• As mentioned the program has a large focus on commercialization
• Things judges will be looking for in proponent applications for funding:
  • Project can demonstrate a validated customer need
  • includes industry collaboration from both jurisdictions
  • project identifies business and technological competitive assessments
  • project has commercialization goals and strategy
  • articulates economic benefit for Jalisco and Alberta (qualitative and quantitative)
• An integrated innovation approach to project development will assist in responding to many of the above and will enhance probability of success

Questions / Discussions

References:

• The Creation of Economic and Corporate Wealth in a Dynamic Economy – IBM Global Business Services, 2008
• Open Innovation The Next Frontier – Henry Chesbrough EIRMA SIG III, 2005-10-20
• Bold Idea for Humanity – Grand Challenges Canada – September 2010
• The Lisbon Council think tank for the 21st Century
• Alberta / Jalisco R&D and Commercialization Program Plan – August 2011