Innovation Catalysts and Accelerators: The Impact of Ontario Colleges’ Applied Research

With only modest resources, and within a short time, Ontario colleges have demonstrated that their applied research services can stimulate and accelerate the innovation activities of Ontario-based firms—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, by offering students and employees opportunities to improve their innovation skills, and by stimulating entrepreneurial ambition, college–business applied research collaborations are helping to develop a highly skilled, innovation-ready workforce.

This executive summary looks at the strategies and resources required if college applied research is to further improve innovation performance, education and training, and economic and social development.