Mobilizing knowledge for social and economic impact: leadership and scope
U of T is strengthening the networks and infrastructure that turn research discoveries into impact for Canada and the world.
Commitment lead
Professor Leah Cowen
Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives
Society is increasingly calling on universities to demonstrate how publicly funded research improves lives, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth. To meet the commitment for Mobilizing Knowledge for Social and Economic Impact, the University of Toronto is strengthening the research pathways that will ensure more of the benefit reaches Canadians and communities globally.
The starting point
U of T begins from a position of considerable strength. Our research is informing public policy, strengthening professional practice in fields such as health, education and law, and helping to create positive change in communities through close partnerships with schools, community organizations, public agencies and NGOs, locally, nationally and globally. U of T is in the top 10 most cited universities in the world in public policy documents, and our scholars are leaders in translating research into real-world impact.
U of T discoveries also fuel innovation and economic growth. The university is a world leader for producing research-based startups. Independent rankings place U of T first in Canada for graduate and MBA founders, and among the top ten public institutions globally for entrepreneurship. Companies from the U of T ecosystem have raised $27 billion in the past decade and support tens of thousands of jobs.
At the same time, Canada has the opportunity to strengthen and convert world-class research into commensurate economic return and societal benefits. The university recognizes that value creation takes many distinct, though complementary forms, including social and economic impact. While our foundation is strong, our ambition is to do considerably more.
Listening first
As we shape the next phase of this work, we want to hear from the U of T community and beyond, including researchers, students, founders, investors, industry leaders, community partners and policymakers. All have important perspectives to share that will help inform how U of T can maximize the impact of its research for society and the economy.
What we are acting on now
Commercialization and entrepreneurship
Reducing friction is an immediate priority. We are developing a streamlined approach to licence agreements so that each negotiation does not begin from scratch. We are focusing efforts on expanding programs to develop entrepreneurial talent and grow an innovation mindset in our ecosystem. We are also working to enhance access to the resources – talent and funding – that companies need to grow in Canada, building on recent successes in offering laboratory space for life sciences start-ups and establishing U of T’s first life-sciences venture fund.
Social impact
U of T already supports researchers in building skills for effective knowledge mobilization and impact, but there’s more we can do. We are continually enhancing supports so researchers can better design, lead and fund impactful work. We are also developing tools for communication and knowledge exchange to help researchers work with government, policymakers, NGOs and the public to address complex societal challenges.
Working nationally
This is a national conversation, and the University of Toronto is actively contributing to it. U of T scholars are shaping programs, services and policies with government, public institutions and partners across Canada. University leaders are chairing national workstreams on economic sovereignty, market access and intellectual property, particularly in health and life sciences. As this work continues, we will share more stories demonstrating how U of T research contributes to economic prosperity, social well-being and meaningful innovation across Canada and around the world.
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Mobilizing knowledge for social and economic impact
U of T is strengthening the networks and infrastructure that turn research discoveries into impact for Canada and the world.
