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OCN REVIEWOntario Commercialization Network Review: From Good To GreatOntario initiated a review of the Ontario Commercialization Network (OCN) in September 2008, to better align the network with Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, a nearly $3-billion commitment to help make innovation the driving force of Ontario’s economy. The goal is to ensure that Ontario establishes the kind of policy, program and service environment needed to support our world-class scientists and innovators in their efforts to turn research excellence and best-in-class technologies into new industries, new jobs, and future social and economic prosperity. The Review has reached an important milestone: the Steering Committee — a group of leaders from industry, academia and finance who guided the Review process — have submitted their key findings and recommendations to the province. Key findings suggest Ontario is well-positioned to become a world-class jurisdiction for innovation in the years to come. The Steering Committee found that existing programs and organizations represent a strong platform on which to build a world-class innovation system. The report also makes clear recommendations about how the province can “build the OCN into a world-class commercialization network capable of moving Ontario to the forefront of global innovation.” These recommendations include:
Letter from the OCN Review Steering Committee Dear Minister, The Ontario Commercialization Network (OCN) Steering Committee is pleased to submit our Report and to have had this opportunity to assist the province in its efforts to bring new, innovative ideas to market. The recommendations we are submitting come with our unanimous approval and reflect the principles and recommendations to build the OCN into a world-class commercialization network capable of moving Ontario to the forefront of global innovation. A key recommendation is the formation of an independent body of successful innovators and entrepreneurs experienced in the commercialization process, to provide overall direction and governance to the Network. Furthermore, we believe that the client-focused OCN model provided will help Ontario toward the innovation goal of becoming best in class at taking new, leading-edge ideas to market. Our commercialization system must be integrated and consistent, yet flexible and adaptable. The report calls for a systematic approach and immediate action. We are grateful for the opportunity to make this contribution. As members of the Ontario Commercialization Network (OCN) Review Steering Committee, we are pleased and honoured to transmit the attached final report. Sincerely, Dr. Alastair M. Glass, Chair On Behalf of Dr. Geoff Fernie, Mr. P. Thomas Jenkins, Ms. Melissa McJannet, Ms. Maureen Piercy, Dr. Celia Ross and Dr. Robert Sutherland Background: About The OCNThe Ontario Commercialization Network (OCN) is a collection of organizations across the province, supported by the Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI), that taps into local excellence to help Ontario compete globally. It does this by helping local innovators transform ideas into marketable products and services and connecting local innovators them to investors and other innovators across the province. The OCN includes four types of organizations that work together to support innovation:
The OCN Review: OverviewThe review of the OCN is part of the implementation of the Ontario Innovation Agenda. Supported by close to $3 billion in spending over eight years and a focus on seizing global market opportunities, this agenda builds on the strength of Ontario’s creative environment, diverse culture, highly skilled workforce, world-class education system and internationally recognized research community to ensure Ontario is one of the winning economies in the 21st century. The Review will determine how to best align the OCN with the goals of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, and ensure that it plays a vital role in fostering world-class innovation, new businesses and new jobs across the province in the future. The OCN Review: ProcessTo get a fair, unbiased evaluation of the existing network, the review was guided by a group of industry, academia and finance leaders and shaped by advice from innovators from across the province. To oversee this process — and make recommendations — Ontario brought together a Steering Committee, comprised of senior representatives from industry, financial services, and the academic community. Ontario also engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to gather input from clients across the OCN and report back to the ministry and the Steering Committee. In addition, Ontario brought together an Expert Panel, which included representation from both industry and academia, to provide perspective on global leadership and best practices in commercialization. The Ontario Commercialization Network Review: TimelineSeptember 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
OCN Review: Next StepsA decision will be made about how the government will act on the steering committee’s recommendations in the coming months.
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