Manitoba Innovation Framework Innovation is Community-Based Innovation takes place primarily within a local or regional context. The success of local innovation systems depends on how well community stakeholders collaborate to leverage local assets, processes and relationships that support the innovation needs of their economy.

Manitoba has outstanding innovation assets in its many science and technology-based entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions and infrastructure. The mere presence of these assets, however, does not guarantee innovation success. The intensity of innovation within a region is reflected in how well businesses, workforces, government, financial institutions, post-secondary and research institutions and innovation infrastructure interact. Interaction among these various components may be technical, commercial, legal, financial or social. The goal is to develop, protect and finance knowledge creation that results in new products, processes and services.

Innovation flourishes in environments where highly skilled workforces, entrepreneurial spirit and risk capital are strongly interwoven. Regional innovation success depends on how well communities leverage their innovation assets, processes and relationships to support the changing needs of their economies. They are intricately interwoven.

Nurturing and feeding these links are essential to translate knowledge into new products, processes and services. It is also needed to create the capacity for sustained, high levels of economic growth.

The capability of businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with appropriate regional innovation assets via networks is critical. Successful regions require leadership that is committed to supporting innovation by creating, linking and strengthening innovation networks.

Next: Strategic Priorities

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