MaRS: The Big-Brain Approach to Prosperity

This op ed was published on the Business Commentary page of the Globe and Mail on September 11, 2015.

All the debate as to whether Canada is in true recession has detracted attention from the real conversation we should we having in Canada: what to do about a lacklustre economy? A focus on innovation often is cited as a solution although there is little agreement as to what it really means. Of course, it involves lots of individual entrepreneurs. But governments can also help spark innovation through investment in innovation hubs.

This commentary argues that it is time for an intelligent public conversation on what innovation means and how to make it happen. MaRS is a crucial piece of a big and complex puzzle. Investment in world-class innovation centres is precisely the prescription that Canada needs to breathe life into our lacklustre economy. Other vibrant centres of innovation throughout the world, including Silicon Valley, Israel and Shanghai, have been nurtured by strategic combinations of public and private funds as well as a dynamic culture of risk.

As a world-class innovation hub, MaRS has put Canada, Ontario and Toronto on the global map – for all the right reasons. Supporting a big-brain approach to prosperity is a no-brainer.

ISBN – 1-55382-652-3