AN INNOVATION Cluster in the Yukon?
“The work completed to date would not have been possible without the financial support from the Government of Yukon, NRC-IRAP, and the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, and the ideas, enthusiasm, and experience of the Private Sector.”
- Curtis Prosko, Board MemberOur Vision is to establish a world-recognized cluster for construction and infrastructure in Yukon that is focused on the development, commercialization and export of sustainable cold climate technologies and related solutions for sub-arctic regions around the world.
Our Mission is to enable the development and adaptation of systems and products that meet challenges of cold climate environments.
Our Objectives are to create a higher degree of economic self-sufficiency in Canada’s North and to increase private-sector growth by building capacity through investment in research.
WHAT IS AN INNOVATION CLUSTER?
Clustering is a term that economists have borrowed from science to describe the growth and significant concentration of innovative companies around a nucleus of research & development facilities.
Teams comprised of industry, educational institutions, agencies and business organizations work together to discover solutions to known challenges. Once developed, these products and solutions are marketed and sold to outside markets.
Companies range from suppliers of specialized inputs such as parts, components and machinery to providers of infrastructure, knowledge-based expertise and other services.
The companies look at business opportunities and profitability globally. They are able to collaborate, enabling them to take risks that they would not have undertaken alone.
“Clusters are think-tanks, laboratories of change and catalysts for new economic opportunities.”
In a cluster, government supports industry by investing in training, R&D, innovation and by providing access to world-class facilities.
WHY COLD WEATHER TECHNOLOGIES AND RELATED SOLUTIONS?
Cold climate technologies and related solutions are needed in northern Canada and in other circumpolar regions. Yukon industry, with its expertise and knowledge of conducting business in the North, can effectively expand its business and profitability beyond the Yukon market.
Northern Canada has not always been well served by technology and products developed by southern-based researchers and businesses. Because the North is lightly populated and the market is small, compared to the market in southern Canada, there is little incentive for southern-based companies to develop products and solutions that deal with the North’s unique challenges. Effective and affordable solutions are more likely to come from Northerners themselves,and a northern innovation cluster would help make it happen.
Business Opportunities and Industry Involvement will determine the needed training, R&D and Commercialization investments in Cold Climate Technologies.
The subject of “Cold Climate Technologies” is very broad. Based on the specific expertise that we have in the North, the current initiative has been focused on the following industries: building construction and maintenance; municipal infrastructure (including water, sewage, heat & power, waste, and roads); geotechnical works (construction/infrastructure specialities that may be applied also to mine reclamation; transportation; permafrost & pipeline).
Practical examples of activities that could be undertaken include:
- Development of new wastewater systems for remote communities,
- Adaptation of buildings and foundations to climate change, given the rapidly changing permafrost environment,
- Testing of new techniques for road construction and maintenance,
- Remote inspection and environmental monitoring of geotechnical and construction work,
- Improved techniques for mine reclamation and roadside stabilization.
ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES ARE THE FUEL THAT DRIVES CLUSTERS.
Successful clusters are fuelled by innovation, adaptation and entrepreneurship. While the success of firms depends on their ability to protect and minimize replication of their technological advances, they are still able to collaborate with other companies and research organizations to innovate and maintain their competitive advantage.
Behind every successful cluster is a group of innovative firms led by individuals who are committed to their community, value learning, and are willing to work towards a collective vision for their industries. The key to fostering a cluster’s growth rests with industry leaders. In the long term, a cluster is supported by profitable business ventures.
YCCIC BOARD
The Board of Directors oversees the development of the Yukon Cold Climate Research Centre, and is a key element in developing the cold climate innovation centre.
Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre - Board of Directors
- Mr. Terry Hayden,
Yukon Economic Development – Strategic Industries - Mr. Curtis Prosko,
La Frentz Road Marking–Division of Canadian Road Builders Inc. - Mr. David Morrison,
Chair, Yukon Chamber of Commerce, President & C.E.O. Yukon Energy Corporation - Mr. Terry Weninger,
President Yukon College - Ms. Josee Belisle,
National Research Council-Industry Research Assistance Program - Mr. Stanley Noel,
Yukon Indian Development Corporation - Mr. Roger Cheng
University of Alberta
