Scientific and technological advancements. Public service innovation. Social innovation. Novel practices and new institutions.

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.

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. 

An Innovation Blueprint

Between September 2009 and May 2010, we are convening at least fifteen roundtables across the country. From this national dialogue will emerge an innovation blueprint describing the specific actions all sectors must take to advance a culture and practice of innovation in Canada. The roundtable series will culminate at Innovation Next, a national conference in Toronto on May 27th, 2010, where leaders from all sectors - private, public, academia and social - will focus on actions necessary to advance innovation in Canada.

Science Day in Canada

In an article in the Globe & Mail on March 17, 2009, Preston Manning called for a gathering of "the country's tops science practitioners, administrators, entrepreneurs, investors and communicators" to discuss how research and innovation could contribute to Canada's economic recovery and prosperity. Prompted by Mr. Manning's clarion call, on May 27th 2009 we convened Science Day in Canada in order to spark dialogue about these issues. Details of the day's discussion can be found in our report Innovation Nation: Building a Culture and Practice of Innovation in Canada, as well as PPF President David Mitchell's Ottawa Citizen op-ed. In the wake of the event's success, we initiated a broader discussion about innovation, thus launching the roundtable series.

On April 29th, 2010 in Toronto, the Public Policy Forum awarded Preston Manning a Testimonial Award. in his acceptance speech, he articulated the importance of innovation to Canada's future prosperity.