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By Rebecca Cohoe and Jeff Green

A ������Ƶ initiative aims to bring together Newfoundland and Labrador’s thriving innovation ecosystem to build on recent successes and to set a solid foundation for the future of innovation in the province.

The Signal Initiative co-ordinates a group of members of the provincial innovation ecosystem and ������Ƶ for discussion and collaboration, all with the goal of supporting and strengthening innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

It’s the next step in ������Ƶ University’s internationally recognized work in innovation and entrepreneurship.

From the Ocean Frontier Institute to the university’s pivotal role in the launch of the Ocean Supercluster in Atlantic Canada to the launch of the Emera Innovation Exchange on the new Signal Hill Campus, ������Ƶ is embracing its special obligation to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, providing a unique forum for key players to communicate and work together.

Led by ������Ƶ’s Office of Public Engagement and Office of the Vice-President (Research), and co-chaired by Dr. Rob Greenwood, associate vice-president (public engagement and external relations), and Dr. Neil Bose, vice-president (research), the Signal Initiative will provide mutual benefits to both ������Ƶ and the larger innovation community.

Identify gaps, seize opportunities

Members, including representatives from governments, industry and academia, will share insight and advice on how to maximize ������Ƶ’s innovation-related programming and investments for the benefit of both students and the companies that will eventually hire and/or collaborate with them.

“The Signal Initiative is the type of post-secondary, government and community collaboration needed to foster increased innovation across all sectors.”— Norm Dimmell

The initiative will support dialogue between ������Ƶ and other actors in the innovation ecosystem, sharing information and collaborating to identify gaps and seize opportunities.

Meeting N.L.’s needs

As the only university in Canada with a Senate-approved Public Engagement Framework, ������Ƶ views partnerships with industry, community and governments as central to advancing teaching and learning, research and creative activity.

One of the framework’s objectives (1.4) calls for the university to “Mobilize knowledge, expertise and resources in support of innovation and economic diversification.”

“The story of innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador is closely tied to innovation at ������Ƶ University,” said Dr. Greenwood. “Collaboration between the two is not a new idea; however, the Signal Initiative will provide a more systematic, forward-looking mechanism for collaboration.”

Dr. Bose says ������Ƶ is committed to fostering innovation across the disciplines and supporting the next generation of business leaders.

“, coupled with our recent  in total research funding, ������Ƶ is cultivating a vibrant ecosystem and supporting our leading-edge creators and discoverers,” he said. “������Ƶ is proud to play a key role in the future of innovation in this province. Our research and expertise are contributing daily to the creation of a more diverse, sustainable economy and society.”

Dr. Paula Mendonça, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at ������Ƶ, is facilitating and supporting the university’s initiatives to strengthen its entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. She says those efforts complement the Signal Initiative.

“Opportunities such as these provide a significant way to engage with our communities, industry, and government and align ������Ƶ with the economic and social needs of the province.”

Partnering for success

“The Signal Initiative is the type of post-secondary, government and community collaboration needed to foster increased innovation across all sectors,” said Norm Dimmell, president, N.L., Emera, after the initiative’s first meeting this week.

“We are pleased to be part of this conversation, both as participants and through Emera’s 2018 contribution of $7 million in support of student programming in innovation and entrepreneurship at ������Ƶ University.”

Signal Initiative membership

Rob Greenwood, associate vice-president, public engagement and external relations, Office of Public Engagement, ������Ƶ University; Neil Bose, vice-president (research), ������Ƶ University; Norm Dimmell, president, N.L., Emera; Ashley Noseworthy, president/CEO, Edgewise Environmental Ltd. (representing N.L. Environment Industry Association); Ellissa Hull, vice-president, finance, Verafin (representing TechNL); Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Ocean Supercluster; Karen Skinner, vice-president, ACOA, N.L.; Ted Lomond, deputy minister, Industry, Energy and Technology, Government of N.L.; Mark Dobbin, president, Killick Capital Inc. (representing N.L. Innovation and Business Investment Corporation); Allan Cramm, vice-president, innovation, Novamera Inc.; Joe Teo, CEO, HeyOrca (representing a Genesis graduate firm); Roshayne Mendis, graduate student, Grenfell Campus; Mike Long, associate vice-president, applied research and innovation, College of the North Atlantic; Dave Murrin, director general, ocean, coastal and river engineering, National Research Council; Kim Crosbie, manager, operations and strategic projects, Harris Centre; and Paula Mendonça, director, innovation and entrepreneurship, Office of the Vice-President (Research).

To learn more about Innovation ������Ƶ, please visit the website and follow  on Twitter and the  hashtag.

Rebecca Cohoe is a senior communications advisor with the Office of Public Engagement. She can be reached at rcohoe@mun.ca. 

Jeff Green is manager of communications in the Office of the Vice-President (Research). He can be reached at jeffg@mun.ca.