Technology Group Releases Implementation Report

Report: Here

September 25, 2007


Moncton – The Moncton Technology Planning Group (MTPG) today made public their first implementation report. Entitled “Applying the Benchmark”, the report relates the findings of the MTPG mission to Oulu, Finland to the strategy for accelerating technology-based economic growth in Greater Moncton. The report, which was recently presented to the provincial government, highlights important lessons gleaned from the MTPG Oulu visit and outlines nine specific recommendations for action.

“The vision set forward in our strategy was to see Greater Moncton recognized nationally and internationally for education and research excellence, entrepreneurial success, and globally competitive business development in targeted technology sectors” said Councillor Doug Robertson, Chair of the MTPG. “Our experience in Oulu impressed upon us the importance of focus, and local coordination of effort. Critical to the success of the technology strategy is the close alignment of post-secondary capacity with industry needs and opportunities. This was one of the underpinning themes of our strategy and was very prominent in the Oulu innovation system and in the success that city has realized over the years” Robertson added.

The implementation report includes measures focused on capacity and knowledge building, regional coordination, and post-secondary and institutional alignment. Several of the recommended actions have already been initiated by the MTPG, including the organization of a visit to Moncton later this week by a delegation from Oulu. “We are very pleased that our colleagues from Finland have responded so quickly to our invitation” noted Dr. Rodney Ouellette, a member of the MTPG Oulu delegation. “We are looking forward to continuing the dialogue and to three very busy and productive days with them here in the Moncton area.”

Another key action item for the MTPG is the establishment of a technology commercialization centre or incubator facility, as called for in the strategy. The group has put in place a team tasked with development of the concept and implementation strategy and further details on the final approach should be made public in the near future.

Of the nine action items in the report, two major ones have been recommended to the provincial government for early implementation. The first will see the establishment of “Innovation Moncton” as a local entity mandated to coordinate the implementation of the overall strategy. This organization will play a vital role, supporting and building local networks and partnerships, developing relationships among regional, national and international institutional partners, and guiding and monitoring the strategy. “Every successful model we have looked at, from Oulu to Austin, has this sort of resource in place to implement their strategy” said MTPG member Jon Manship. “Innovation Moncton will ensure that our strategy becomes reality, and furthermore, will become a vital local resource in support of the realization of the province’s self-sufficiency agenda.” The MTPG believes that Innovation Moncton will become a key partner not just locally, but provincially, and will be a strong asset, for example, in support of the new cluster development mandate being considered for the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.

The other major recommendation to government calls for the establishment of a post-secondary centre of excellence in Greater Moncton. “The MTPG strategy clearly identified the need for enhanced, technology-oriented post-secondary capacity aligned with the key industry sectors” said Robertson. “The centre of excellence concept is intended to capitalize on and leverage the existing institutions in the area, their research and education excellence and strong commitment to coordinated efforts” he said, adding “the MTPG envisions a new technology-oriented educational partnership based on a focused, strategic collaboration among area post-secondary institutions, consistent with the province’s self-sufficiency agenda”.

The concept could feature a combination of real and virtual capacity, but according to the MTPG report, must have the express goal of becoming a centre of excellence in technology management, international business, and science and technology development particularly linked to the key domains identified in the MTPG strategy. The report asserts that the centre must have close ties to all relevant university research in New Brunswick, and the technology transfer in order to become a key catalyst for applied research and commercialization.

The report of the Post Secondary Commission places emphasis on optimizing the use of current resources, of supporting recognized research strengths, and strength in community responsiveness. It also proposed the establishment of centres of excellence to realize such objectives. “We believe our centre of excellence concept is wholly consistent with these principles, especially if you look at what that report has to say about the importance of institutional linkages and responsiveness to local industry” Robertson noted. “That is one of the fundamental underpinnings of our strategy and so we believe we are not just on the right track, but in fact have the basis for a strong local model that can help ensure we realize our vision for Greater Moncton and the provinces vision for transforming New Brunswick’s economy”.

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Information:

Doug Robertson
Moncton Technology Planning Group
382-5156