Innovation Ecosystem Strategic Opportunities · and ecosystem impact 1 ... This program is designed to address shared talent challenges identiﬁ ed by OSC member companies, attract

Innovation Ecosystem Strategic OpportunitiesDraft for Discussion

Create more GDP from ocean enterprises;

Grow Atlantic Canada’s talent pool and technical expertise in Canadian ocean economy;

Foster the growth and creation of more ocean technology companies;

Enhance the access to and eff ectiveness of ocean innovation facilities and institutions;

Increase collaborations between ocean companies and member organizations;

Increase available risk capital in Canada’s ocean economy;

Increase commercialization and IP-generation in the private sector and post-secondary institutions;

Improve inclusion and participation by under-represented groups in Canada’s ocean industries; and

Position Canada as a global leader in collaborative cross-sectoral ocean innovation.

PurposeImprove the innovation landscape by addressing gaps, leveraging strengths and planning for a digitally empowered ocean economy.

Support capacity and quality of Tech Leadership Projects (TLPs) and support members’ ability to commercialize and grow their businesses in Canada.

Key principles

» Collaboration and sharing of costs, risks and rewards

» Market pull and innovation push» Industry leadership drives economic

and ecosystem impact

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We are developing the Ocean Supercluster through an integrated plan of technology leadership and innovation ecosystem programs built with a broad range of cluster partners to increase commercialization, make ocean R&D investments go further, and in the process building a stronger cluster - which is a competitive advantage for all organizations.

Vision

Draft for Discussion

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Ocean Innovation Ecosystem Development Objectives

Role of the OSC Through technology leadership and innovation ecosystem activities (IEAs), the OSC is a catalyst of economic growth by fostering and funding new collaborations that improve world leading entrepreneurial and R&D capacity. The OSC will leverage Atlantic Canada’s comparative advantages and address innovation ecosystem gaps through collaborative partnerships with OSC Members.

What we doThe OSC will scope IEAs that address gaps in the innovation ecosystem, and partner with organizations and government to develop new collaborations to fi ll those gaps.

The OSC will provide fi nancial and in-kind support for new project concepts (IEAs) brought forward by its partners in the innovation ecosystem.

The OSC will foster new relationships by incentivizing members to work together on shared opportunities rather than thinking locally/operating in a silo.

The OSC will co-invest in strategic initiatives that provide value to the greater cluster.

The OSC will in all cases leverage existing infrastructure, resources or initiatives for the delivery of IEAs.

What we don’t doThe OSC will not provide core funding for members, or fund IEAs that only benefi t one organization.

The OSC will not duplicate projects or activities in the innovation ecosystem.

The OSC will not be a delivery agent of IEAs that could be delivered by member organizations.

How we work with partners

» Member organizations can submit IEA proposals that are in line with OSC strategy.

» Members can opt into being a delivery partner for one or more IEAs.

» Members can participate in cluster direction setting through various channels, including:

» Technology Leadership Working Group (TLWG)» Innovation Ecosystem Working Group (IEWG)» OSC Board of directors» Ad hoc working groups or committees » Through workshops and cluster input sessions.

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Ocean Innovation Ecosystem Gaps and Advantages Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem is growing but lacks regional connectivity and scale when compared to leading marine clusters such as San Diego, New England (USA), and Norway, among others. Atlantic Canada as a region has many comparative advantages that can be leveraged to stimulate more commercialization, partnerships and sustainable economic growth. Innovation ecosystem activities are focused on leveraging existing assets, bolstering strengths and addressing gaps and opportunities.

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Overarching challenges» The uniquely high cost and risk of ocean innovation

» The strength and integration of the innovation ecosystem


Gaps» Lack of shared infrastructure, regional

connectivity and innovative culture

» SMEs linked to large corporates and scale of supply chain partnerships

» Commercialization from Post-Secondary Institutions

» Competent risk capital in ocean economy

» New entrants into ocean economy, both talent and companies

Advantages» Educated population (hundreds of Ocean

PHD’s, strong research institutions)

» Quality of place (close to innovation centers like Boston, boardroom to beach, aff ordable living)

» Diversifi ed economy (range of growing sectors)

» Rich with environmental resources

» Federal government dedicated to innovation (ie: ISI, CanCode, etc.)

» Strong private sector leadership (how OSC came to be, MIT REAP, etc.)

Innovation Ecosystem Program DevelopmentInnovation Ecosystem Programs are thematic areas of cluster development that OSC stakeholders have identifi ed as priorities. Specifi c projects and initiatives will be undertaken as part of each program, which are expected to respond to gaps and needs identifi ed by cluster participants, or to address opportunities to accelerate and build on areas of particular strength and competitive advantage for the supercluster.

IEAs should both meet the needs of industry and address opportunities within the broader innovation ecosystem. The activities identifi ed in this document have been identifi ed through the following mechanisms:

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Innovation Ecosystem Programs and Activities The Ocean Supercluster has organized innovation ecosystem activities (IEAs) into four strategic program themes to fulfi ll its strategy and meet the objectives of the federal government. Innovation ecosystem activities must align with each program objective. Additional IEAs will be developed as needs are identifi ed through technology leadership project scoping.

The Ocean Supercluster would have a diff erent role in each of the IEAs listed below. These icons demonstrate the OSC’s role in each activity. In some cases, the OSC would have more than one role.

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2During OSC development - through events, surveys and workshops;

3Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISED) parameters;


Shared challenges that have surfaced through OSC working groups;

OSC Co-Funds» Meets eligibility criteria and

selection process

» Specifi c delivery/operational scope defined with OSC members

» Activity is delivered by selected OSC members

» Multiple funders (provincial, ACOA, NRC, private, etc.)

OSC Delivers» OSC directly involved in

delivery

» Outsourced support asneeded

» Potential other funders asneeded

OSC Catalyzes» Minimal or no OSC

funding leveraged

» Leverages OSC brand andglobal awareness

» Inspired by collectivemember needs and voice

» OSC an enabler orinitiator of activity, butnot directly involved

Program A - Company Creation and Growth

This program is designed to foster new ocean startups, create regional partnerships, connect entrepreneurs to resources, incentivize increased commercialization, facilitate SME-supply chain collaborations and support ocean industry leadership through innovation.

Potential Program Activities:

Ocean Startups – Increasing and Strengthening Pipeline of Ocean Startups

This activity will fund programs and initiatives to increase the quantity and quality of ocean-related technology startups. The OSC will support successful organizations like Startup Yard, CDL, Genesis, MCE, PEI BioAlliance, and others, collaborating to foster and nurture more ocean startups.

Technology Brokerage – Matching Commercial Ocean Problems with Solution Providers

Facilitates relationships between big ocean companies and OSC SMEs looking for partnerships, joint ventures and syndicated opportunities.

Technology Open Call – A Targeted Funding Approach to Collaboratively Solving Shared Ocean Challenges

Industry Members identify Call themes that benefi t multiple ocean sectors which will diversify supply chain opportunities and open new markets for Supply Chain Members and support the development of new technology and services, strengthening local capabilities in TLPs.

Ocean Supply Chain Development projects – Building the Ocean Innovation Supply Chain and Engaging SMEs

Catalyzing and funding supplier development activities to help strengthen and accelerate project collaborations between the larger players in the ocean industry supply chain and the innovative ocean SMEs. Activities may include joint industry technology demonstration and validation programs, supply chain technology pitch events, focused hacking workshops, as well as targeted events to facilitate interactions between innovation end-users and technology providers.

Ocean Commercialization– Addressing Ocean SME Growth and Market Penetration Challenges

Specifi c collaborations to build a stronger and more comprehensive Atlantic Canadian innovation commercialization system. This will include funding initiatives that build more integrated relationships between the incubator/accelerator network, SMEs, OSC member companies and their supply chain partners. Joint industry projects between OSC members will also be co-funded, for later stage Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects to bridge the SME commercialization gap.

Supercluster Technology Forums – Showcasing Technology Leadership Projects

Supercluster-led events within each of the core technology leadership (TL) Program areas to showcase progress in TL activities. The forums will bring together ocean technology users, developers, researchers, and investors, among others. The objectives include the continual advancement and commercialization of TLP project as well as to nationally and globally showcase the OSC as an open and collaborative cluster of pioneering ocean excellence.

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Innovation Ecosystem Gaps Addressed:

» Pipeline of new ocean startups» Connectivity of SMEs to customers» Commercialization rate of ocean research » Scaling of ocean companies

Assets and Partners leveraged:

» Accelerators, Incubators, » Universities and Colleges » Trade Associations » National Research Facilities» Government (as a co-funder or in-kind

resource such as the NRC)


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Program B - Inclusive Talent Attraction and Transformation

This program is designed to address shared talent challenges identifi ed by OSC member companies, attract the best entrepreneurs to the cluster, support the growth of work integrated learning environments and skill agility of the ocean economy workforce. Projects should foster new partnerships between indigenous organizations, skilled-talent development non-profi ts and the private sector, to develop a more diverse long-term impact. All activities will aim to support an inclusive business environment through diversity initiatives.


International Rockstars – Attracting the Best Entrepreneurs and Talent to Canada’s Ocean Economy

A fund to attract high potential entrepreneurs and startups to Atlantic Canada, and marketing activities to attract world-leading HQP in R&D and business relevant to the success of Ocean Supercluster programs and projects and to support the aggregate needs of SMEs.

Mitacs Partnership – Embedding and Retaining Post-graduate Talent in the Ocean Industries

The OSC will build on the success of this national program which provides opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to be embedded with industry. The OSC will co-fund an ocean-specifi c dedicated Mitacs resource to identify ocean industry placement opportunities, manage student resources for TL projects, etc. Engaging this highly specialized expertise in technology leadership projects will augment the Mitacs program by potentially addressing longer term retention challenges.

Work Integrated Learning Opportunities – Modernizing Talent Development for aTransforming Ocean Economy

Catalyzing partnerships with OSC members, regional universities and colleges to facilitate innovative new work-integrated learning opportunities. Focused, self-directed micro-credential training and certifi cations has been identifi ed as a high value solution for the digital economy. The OSC will make investments in technology and programs that accelerate adoption and certifi cation of such transformative training delivery platforms.

Diversity and Inclusion in Ocean Tech – Building Canada’s Diversity Strength intoOcean Industries

Fostering and supporting strategic initiativesthat create opportunities for training, experiential learning, mentorship, and employment connected to Technology Leadership and innovation ecosystem projects.

Indigenous Engagement – Indigenous Participation in the Ocean Economy

Working with Indigenous organizations, the OSC will support: participation and collaboration in TLPs and IEAs through the Indigenous Engagement and Participation Activities (IEPAs), indigenous founders creating ocean tech companies, and indigenous entrants into oceans-related workforce and research opportunities.


» Availability of specifi c world-class oceanexperts in Atlantic Canada

» Preparedness of workforce to support adigital ocean economy

» Inclusion of a diverse workforce» Cyclical talent requirements of Innovation» High cost of workforce transformation» Lack of rapid-response training programs

(binge learning)» Availability of senior and experienced sales

talent


» Immigration and diversity supportorganizations

» Indigenous business-focused non-profi ts» Provincial Governments» Colleges, PSEs


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Program C - Access to Ocean Innovation Resources

This program will accelerate ocean research and innovation by cultivating a Canadian ocean innovation system that is open, accessible, and collaborative. This will foundationally leverage access to Canada’s world-class research and development teams and facilities in both the public and private sectors. In addition, the program will foster technology commercialization by facilitating access to specialized design and fabrication equipment are constraints facing smaller companies innovating in any sector. This will not be exclusive to ocean-related facilities but will rather attempt to engage other sectors in a collaborative approach to the application and commercialization of new technology across sectors.


Ocean Innovation Hubs – Investing in New Shared Infrastructure

Investing in the creation of a regionally integrated and networked system of ocean-related innovation hubs. Leveraging the current physical and programmatic capacity like COVE, Holyrood Marine Centre, Centre for Marine Simulation, BioCommons Research Park and others, the OSC will co-fund and foster new cluster-wide shared capabilities and space, where needed. The objective will be not only to strengthen and build upon the innovation hubs within the region but also to fund activities that enable the hubs to optimize their shared space, expertise and programs.

Cluster Asset Map – Catalyzing an Open Landscape of our Ocean Assets and Expertise

Supporting ACOA and NRC in the creation a comprehensive inventory of private and public sector assets, companies, capabilities, and expertise in the region. This open and dynamic tool will support the OSC’s vision of increased collaborative innovation within the region, removing silos and future duplication in the ecosystem and providing visibility for international collaborators.

Science Resource Access – Leveraging Canada’s Scientifi c Agencies and Institutes

The OSC will work with Canada’s R&D and scientifi c agencies and institutes within departments like Natural Resources Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and National Research Council Canada to foster activities that will streamline access and leverage opportunities for OSC Members. Both the physical assets and expertise within Canada’s agencies can provide critical value to companies in Canada’s ocean industries as well as their global partners, and the OSC is positioned to catalyze preferred access, discounted cost and unique collaborative research opportunities.

iCORPS – Increasing Academic Entrepreneurship and IP Commercialization

This program is being co-funded to support intellectual property commercialization of ocean and other technologies by fostering entrepreneurship amongst researchers and graduate students. The OSC aims to support the adoption of the iCORPS program in multiple Atlantic Canadian universities, building on existing program success within Atlantic Canada’s universities and colleges.


» Accessibility and awareness of collaborativeocean innovation space

» Cost of testing, trialing, and validation ofnew technologies

» SME access to Canada’s world class R&Dfacilities and specialized expertise

» Lack of connectivity and “market pull” inCanada’s public and academic scientifi cinstitutes

» Lack of connectivity between ocean R&Dprograms, facilities and users


» Canadian Research Institutes» University and College R&D teams and labs» Provincial and National Centres of

Excellence» Technology Transfer and Industry

Collaboration Organizations» Canadian Technology Institutes and Testing

Facilities


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Program D - Global Cluster Collaborations

This program is designed to build strategic investment opportunities, and to develop key activities that build global competitive advantages through international collaboration and commercial supply chain access for Canadian ocean technology providers.


Global Ocean Tech Network – Connecting OSC Members to the Global Cluster Network

Establish formal relationships with leading ocean clusters and innovation hubs to accelerate the connectivity and interactivity between all regional cluster elements (SMEs, large fi rms, Government, Academic, etc.) and peer entities internationally. Innovation and commercialization co-funding partnerships will be developed with organizations such as the Iceland Ocean Cluster, JPI OCEANS, the Research Council of Norway, and others.

Canadian Supercluster Collaborations – Leveraging the Canadian Supercluster Globally

Explore the potential for cost-shared systems and/or common frameworks and support regular project and technology meetings of the Canadian Superclusters based on particular project opportunities. The united approach will also be used as a forum to connect the OSC to other enabling global collaborative relationships that may be led by Canada’s other superclusters such as robotics and digitalization.

Global Ocean Invest – Attracting Co-investment for shared ocean challenges

The OSC will seek to enable global collaborative projects for its members by co-investing with organizations like the Research Council of Norway, the Carbon Trust, and others. In some cases, these organizations have a strategic mandate to co-fund collaborative projects with Canada. The objective will be not only to introduce members into international technology development partnerships but also to develop inroads into global commercial supply chains.


» Cost of international certifi cation and validation of new technologies

» Connection/synergy between Canadian technology providers and global ocean industry players

» Modernization of regulatory environments» International investment attractionto

Atlantic Canada» Need for a cohesive Canadian-

international ocean innovation agenda


» Canadian and global ocean research and commercial networks

» Existing Canadian ocean research programs (Ocean, Arctic, Ice, Climate)

» Universities, Colleges and Institutes » Canadian and global Incubators and

Accelerators with ocean focus» Other Supercluster and international

partners


Documents

Innovation Ecosystem Strategic Opportunities · and ecosystem impact 1 ... This program is designed to address shared talent challenges identiﬁ ed by OSC member companies, attract