UNB launches New Brunswick Innovation Map
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Nov 19, 2019
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
Who are the drivers of innovation in New Brunswick, and how does this compare to the rest of the country? These were some of the questions answered on Tuesday at the launch of the New Brunswick Innovation and Ecosystem Map.
UNB President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Paul Mazerolle said answering these questions will help New Brunswick secure a more prosperous future.
“As New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive research university, we have a special role in making New Brunswick globally competitive and creating economic opportunities,” said Dr. Mazerolle. “UNB excels in mobilizing knowledge and launching new sectors within our communities, such as smart grid and cybersecurity. The map shows us the importance of working together to ensure we’re making investments that count. We need to focus on areas of high potential and work together to attract more companies and talent.”
According to the map, New Brunswick’s share in the Canadian economy is declining. New Brunswick’s share of Canada’s real GDP has decreased by about $1 billion from 2013 to 2017.
“The map shows that UNB is the research and development engine in New Brunswick,” said UNB’s Vice-President Research Dr. David MaGee. “There is a significant innovation gap our province is experiencing. The percentage of government and private R&D investments is remarkably lower here when compared to the rest of Canada.”
The good news is Dr. MaGee says that, by mapping New Brunswick’s innovation ecosystem, we’re able to see where and how R&D takes place, enabling us to collaborate more efficiently and effectively in using the assets and resources available.
The Innovation Map was completed by Global Advantage Consulting Group and was commissioned by UNB, with support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada.
Tuesday’s event and panel discussion was hosted by the University of New Brunswick and took place at Planet Hatch.
Global Advantage Consulting Group is a strategy and data analytics firm based in Ottawa. They combine experience in policy, disruptive technologies, and innovation sectors with research analysis and graphic design.
For more information on New Brunswick’s Innovation Ecosystem Map, visit unb.ca/innovationmap.
Media contact:
Natasha Ashfield
506-260-4851
Natasha.ashfield@unb.ca