First in Canada to join North American network offering a Certificate in Innovation Development
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is the first post-secondary institution in Canada to join an important network of American universities offering a unique program on innovation development to industry. Students learn concrete skills to turn innovation from a random and risky event into a reliable system. The course teaches fundamental concepts and methods for creating, communicating, and commercializing meaningful and unique ideas. Real-world case studies featuring local and international businesses and organizations are explored in a highly interdisciplinary environment that complements any discipline or organization.
The National Academy of Science based in Washington, as well the Conference Board of Canada, point to the growing need for solutions to the decreasing rate of innovation. American companies trained in this program report up to a six-fold increase in innovation speed and a 30 to 80% decrease in innovation risk, according to Doug Hall, founder of the Innovation Engineering Institute® (a trademark registered in the USA). The academic program developed by the University of Maine and the Institute has provided training to students in five US states and will be offered in Canada for the first time at UWinnipeg through its Professional Education arm beginning September 2014.
Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Professional Education at UWinnipeg is pleased to announce that students will receive a Certificate in Innovation Development from the University as well as a ‘Blue Belt’ from the USA-based Innovation Engineering Institute®. “This scientific system for innovation development was facilitated by the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters as well as a private sector firm named inVision Business Edge. This is step one in launching several other initiatives tied to innovation at The University of Winnipeg, and we are pleased to make this important contribution to innovation in Manitoba,” said Dr. Albert.
The Certificate is offered part-time (four courses) and usually takes one year to complete.
“At Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), we realize the critical nature of innovation in remaining highly competitive in a global world and are helping companies implement this unique innovation system in the key sector of manufacturing in Manitoba and beyond,” said Ron Koslowsky CME VP who is partnering with InVision.
“This program will provide students with insight into this proven system and better prepare them for employment and leadership in the manufacturing community or anywhere they go,” said Ralph Eschenwecker, CME’s Director of Innovation Engineering.
John Ferris, CEO of inVision Business Edge, who represents the Canadian Innovation Engineering Network, is excited about the University of Winnipeg being pioneers in bringing this Innovation process to post-secondary education in Canada. “With partners like The University of Winnipeg and CME we are leading the charge of Innovation from the centre of Canada out. For Canada to remain competitive, organizations have an immediate need for a road map that embeds a culture of innovation. We compete globally and Canadian organizations need to continuously develop meaningfully unique ideas for new products, new services and new markets. This provides the management system to support the growth of our great companies.”
A launch event will be held on May 8, 2014 at The University of Winnipeg. All organizations (private sector, public and non-profit) as well as media are welcome to attend.
LEARN MORE:
Kim Loeb, Director, PACE – Professional Studies
204.982.1169
http://pace.uwinnipegcourses.ca/innovation-development-certificate
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MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
