How Globalization affects Innovations (in the Kitchener-Waterloo in particular)?

• Should Ontario encourage cooperation with other countries, in particular,  between Russian and Canadian scientists, start-up companies, government bodies and private companies involved in commercialization of innovations? 

• Do we have enough information when making decisions to create JV in other countries, especially in the BRICK countries?  What can be improve?
  

After the Berlin Wall came down, I founded a consulting company, Sci-Tech Ventures Associates(Toronto) which provides technical liaison and consulting services for universities, companies and government institutions involved in bi-lateral relations between Canada and Russia.  I am also a Director of Russia & CIS Programs at the Schulich Executive Education Centre, Schulich School of Business, York University. Among other executive development programs, we offer programs in Commercialization of Innovations for Russia and CIS.  In 2006-07 we brought to Canada scientists, start-up managers and administrators from the Lomonosov Moscow State University. This knowledge exhange involved participation of different Ontario Centres of Excellence, MaRS, high-tech companies and universities.  The visit to the Kitchener-Waterloo region was of a great interest to our Russian guests and their hosts and created a long-lasting impression.

I hold a M.Sc. in chemistry and Ph.D. in ceramic engineering from Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology in Moscow, Russia; completed pos-doctorate at the McMaster University. I worked on advanced materials research at the U of T (ceramic sensors), Noranda Metal Industry Ltd.(CANDU reactors), Magna International (NaS batteries for electric cars). In 80s, I represented Magna International on the board of directors of the Seneca College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.  My journey along the  "Globalization route" started in early 90s with the Advisory Board of the East-West Enterprise Exchange at York University where I represented Magna International, and later Sci-Tech Ventures Associates.  In mid. 90s Sci-Tech developed a series of custom tailored programs for 150 managers from the major steel companies in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.  In 2000-2006 I directed the Canada-Russia Program in Corporate Governance at the Schulich School of Business funded by CIDA.  This program alone created a network of 140 business leaders and academics all across Russia, many of whom remain loyal to Canada and very interested in join activities with Canada in various business sectors.

I believe that Ontario can greatly benifit from connections with Russian/CIS scientists and enterpreneurs created in the last 20 years, often through the CIDA funding.  This is an untapped resourse which could bring dividents and new opportunities.

Alina Pekarsky, Ph.D., P.Eng., president, Sci-Tech Ventures Associates <alina.pekarsky@gmail.com>