Innovation of all kinds, and in all sectors of the economy and society, is the key to Canada's future prosperity. Only through new ideas, applied in ways that bring positive impact, can Canadians address the future economic, social, environmental and policy challenges on the horizon.

In an article in the Financial Post, Kevin Lynch (vice-chairman of the Bank of Montreal) noted that the wealth of modern nations will be driven “by human and intellectual capital, and the dynamic interaction among them called innovation” rather than physical capital and resources alone.

Unfortunately, when it comes to innovation, Canada today falls short. Decades of reports and commissions have made this clear. It's time to move beyond analysis and take concerted action. Business, government, academia and civil society must all play a role in helping to create an environment where innovation can flourish. 

The Leading Innovation Project

Between 2011 and 2012, the Public Policy Forum convened solutions-oriented roundtables in leading and emerging innovation centres across Canada.The Leading Innovation Project  addressed how to foster and develop local innovation systems, the necessary policy frameworks to lead innovation at a local level and two critical areas to the innovation ecosystem in Canada: capital and incubators.

Innovation Leadership Blueprint

Between September 2009 and May 2010, the Public Policy Forum convened fifteen roundtables across the country. Through this national dialogue, an innovation blueprint has emerged describing the specific action leaders in all sectors must take to advance a culture and practice of innovation in Canada. The roundtable series culminated at Innovation Next, a national conference held in Toronto on May 27th, 2010.

Major Initiatives:

Here are our projects based on innovation.