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The Frontiers of Science and Innovation

Upcoming Dates in the National Capital Region

To register, click on your preferred date.

English

  • TBD

Summary

This one-day course highlights new scientific and technological advancements and their implications for policy and program areas within government. Current cases and selected examples will highlight the governance challenges associated with these rapid and far-reaching developments.

Discussion topics will include:

  • Overview of current scientific and technological developments in Canada and around the globe
  • The convergence of legal, ethical and medical issues in the policy and decision-making environment
  • The developments and impacts of nano-technologies
  • The next generation businesses and partnerships constructed on new frameworks of advanced science, innovation and technologies
  • The transfer of scientific byproducts from one sector to another
  • How new knowledge areas (such as quantum mechanics, high-temperature super-conductors, designer materials, laser technologies and more) are having an impact on daily life and the implications for citizens and decision-makers
  • Scientific literacy in the Public Service
  • Solutions to foster innovation, productivity, quality of life and Canada’s competitive edge.

Who should participate in this course?

This course will be of interest to science and technology specialists looking to understand the policy implications of emerging technology and, equally, to policy professionals looking to gain a better understanding of technological innovations which will impact Canada.

Course fee

The cost of this course is $990 (no HST) per person. The price includes expert facilitation, lunch and course materials in electronic form. Registration is done through an online registration system where you can select to pay by credit card or request an invoice.

Location and time

Our courses run from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The course location will be confirmed upon registration. Courses scheduled for the National Capital Region all take place at fully accessible venues. 

What you can expect

This one-day seminar-style course encourages reflection, sharing and active exchange of ideas, examples and strategies through structured exercises and thought-provoking guest presentations.

Why this is important

With the advent of a bio-technology revolution, we are seeing the next leap forward in scientific innovation, as we seek to respond to modern technology and feats, medical marvels, spectacular scientific breakthroughs and the transformations that this requires in the public policy domain. There have been scientific discoveries in areas related to applications of: nanotechnology, environmental and geo-thermal science, robotics, optical technologies, string physics, space technologies and remote imaging, RFIDs, neuroscience, reproductive technologies, the information super-highway, medical devices, drugs and nutraceuticals, mobility technologies and assistive devices, genetic engineering of foodstuffs, and, new mining, oil and gas development and forestry practices.

Whether it is genetically modified foods, or stem cell research, the new and emerging areas of science and research are enabling entrepreneurs and innovators to take ideas from concepts to the marketplace faster than governments can assess and create policy, legislation and regulations. The rapidly changing and high-stakes environment requires an understanding of collaboration between partners, across sectors and jurisdictions. Above all, it calls for policy solutions that will satisfy multiple constituencies and will foster creativity, innovation, productivity, quality of life improvements and a competitive edge for Canada.

Extending the learning

For those who wish to have an adapted course that is specific to their issues and requirements, customized course offerings can be delivered on request for branches, teams or groups, in English or French in any part of the country. For more information, please contact Olga Arnaudova.

The IOG also offers the Coaching Circle, to assist executives and officers at all levels of government as well as non-profit and other organizations in the development of their leadership skills.