Manitoba
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Innovation, Energy and Mines

Manitoba Innovation Framework

Manitoba's Approach to Innovation

Innovation is integral to success in today's knowledge-based economy. Economic growth and competitiveness depend increasingly upon the generation of knowledge and the transfer of that knowledge into products, processess and services. Innovation supports economic growth and competitiveness by advancing knowledge and skills that sustain the innovation system, help solve problems and create opportunities.

Overview

A constant flow of information and ideas is required to build a strong economy. Government’s role is to focus activities and stimulate the environment that encourages and sustains innovation. This environment includes the people, institutions, businesses, regulations and processes supporting the innovation system.

In May 2001, the Manitoba government created the Research, Innovation and Technology Division of Industry, Trade and Mines. This division was established to bring greater focus to provincial efforts in the areas of research, innovation and technology, and to take direct action to encourage and support innovation in Manitoba.

In September 2002, the Manitoba government created the new department of Energy, Science and Technology, in response to the ever-increasing contributions of these sectors to the provincial economy and its future success.

The department was formed through the combination of the following:

  • The minister of Energy, Science and Technology is also designated as the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro. The department will:

    • focus provincial innovation activities

    • assist in the growth and success of Manitoba’s science, research and technology assets

    • strengthen, develop, grow and attract knowledge-based industries

    • focus government’s information technology requirements

    • build community-based partnerships through connectivity

    • focus government’s climate change implementation plans

    • strategically develop Manitoba’s energy resources, in co-operation with public and private sectors

    • support innovation in communities and schools

    • link response to climate change with innovation and economic success

    • link government’s own ICT activities with innovation and economic development
  
Manitoba’s Innovation System

Overview

Innovation Challenges and Recent Government Responses

  1. Skilled Workforce Development Strategies

  2. Strengthening Research Capacity

  3. Effective Technology Commercialization Processes

  4. Building Innovation Capacity Through Infrastructure Development

  5. Ensuring a Competitive Innovation Environment

  6. Improving Access to Government Services

Innovators: ISIS CANADA

Enhancing and extending the useful life of our roads, bridges and other public infrastructure is an important role of ISIS (Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures) Canada, a national research network based at the University of Manitoba that is developing a new generation of innovative, smart structures.

Researchers are finding ways to use new materials, like fibre-reinforced polymers, to strengthen structures and incorporating fibre-optics to monitor their conditions through frost, heat waves, storms and snow removal.

A recent major accomplishment was developing fibre optics for the Golden Boy, so Manitobans will know how the restored provincial symbol is doing now that he's back on top of the Legislature.

The department will work collaboratively with business, individuals, government departments and communities to strengthen their capacity to succeed, enhance the competencies they need to prosper, raise their profile locally, nationally and internationally, and foster an environment that supports sustainable economic growth.

The establishment of this new department reflects the provincial government’s growing commitment to assist in developing Manitoba’s science, research and technology sectors, building new partnerships in knowledge-based industries, and further developing the province’s energy resources.

The provincial government also supports innovation through initiatives aimed at developing a skilled workforce that meets the human resource needs of various innovation system stakeholders. These stakeholders demand highly qualified personnel ranging from researchers and technicians to financial and legal intermediaries to marketing and management professionals. Education and training initiatives will provide innovative firms with the qualified staff they require and increase opportunities for young workers to remain in Manitoba.

Manitoba is also making strategic investments in areas such as research, innovation infrastructure and technology commercialization to ensure continued success in developing and attracting businesses in key priority sectors of the economy, including aerospace, life sciences, information and communications technology, and cultural and new media industries.

Critical in any strategic approach to innovation is the adoption of innovation within organizations and institutions. Government must understand its role in stimulating innovation, as well as the activities it must undertake within government itself to be innovative.

The provincial government’s approach to innovation is to foster a government service philosophy and spirit that is citizen-driven, innovative and results-oriented. Across Manitoba, the men and women who work within government are facing tremendous challenges and exciting opportunities. The challenge for government is not only to find cost-effective ways to meet our responsibilities, but also to respond to the changing environment and needs of the community we serve.

A comprehensive and positive business environment that provides the necessary support for investment in innovation at all levels is critical to build innovation success. Manitoba’s approach revolves around ensuring overall competitive cost advantages and providing the right mix of strategic tax incentives designed to provide a solid foundation for innovation developments.

The Manitoba government is committed to strengthening the province’s system of innovation by setting the appropriate policy environment and providing programs and services that stimulate innovative activities by the private sector.

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