REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK PROGRAM

Ontario is implementing a commercialization framework based on a system of "Regional Innovation Networks" or RINs. These are multi-stakeholder, regional development organizations established with Provincial funding that support partnerships among business, institutions and local governments to promote innovation.

While initially focused on the life sciences, Ontario's 12 active regional networks are expanding into other areas of innovation excellence such as information technology, energy conservation, and advanced materials depending on the local strengths and opportunities in each region.

One of the benefits of these networks is that they can bring commercialization services closer to the clients that need them -- small firms, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. The regional networks can also facilitate access to other commercialization resources, including the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), the new MaRS Centre, the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI), and Communitech.