TORONTO, June 21, 2016 – The Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship (BII+E) at Ryerson University officially launched with the opening of their new offices last evening. The policy-focused institute is dedicated to making Canada the best country in the world to be an innovator or an entrepreneur.
“Supporting innovators and entrepreneurs is integral to Canada’s future productivity, economic prosperity and social well-being,” said Sean Mullin, Executive Director of the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship. “As a country, we need to get the underlying policies and supports right, to give our innovators and entrepreneurs the highest chance of success.”
BII+E’s official launch took place yesterday evening during a VIP event attended by 200 industry and community leaders. Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship Honorary Chair Sheldon Levy stated, “The Institute is uniquely positioned to address the challenges facing the Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, by focusing on the how, and not just the what.”
BII+E will conduct forward-thinking research and analysis grounded in a network of experts and in the experiences of actual players in this field. It will also test, pilot and prototype projects and policy solutions to craft advice for the public sector, and demonstrate leadership and advocacy on behalf of supporting innovators and entrepreneurs across the country. BII+E also announced its inaugural fellows, selected for their diverse experience and significant contributions to Canada’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
BII+E was made possible by the vision of two long-time collaborators: former Ryerson University President Sheldon Levy and Jack Cockwell, through Brookfield Partners Foundation donation of $16 million. “I am particularly appreciative of the support provided by Jack Cockwell and the Brookfield Partners Foundation. Without their generous gift, it would not have been possible to launch this new institute,” added Levy.
The Institute’s public launch follows on the recent release of its first—and widely cited—report, The Talented Mr. Robot: The impact of automation on the Canadian workforce. BII+E has also released a new tool, A Compass to Canada’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, helping users navigate the rich tapestry of Canada’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“We’re very proud to officially announce our arrival to the world,” said Mullin. “Entrepreneurship and innovation are Canada’s future, and the Brookfield Institute is here to help create the environment for our future leaders to thrive.”