Innovation Ecosystem Development Consultant – Independent Contractor

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Provide guidance on methodologies and frameworks for evaluating Canada's innovation ecosystem.

• Identify and classify essential participants in the ecosystem, such as industry associations, research institutions, post-secondary organizations, innovation hubs, accelerators, government agencies, funding organizations, venture capital networks, technology providers, and startups.

• Assist in the creation of visual ecosystem maps and landscape evaluations.

• Detect trends, emerging technologies, and innovation clusters pertinent to welding, manufacturing, and industrial technologies.

• Offer strategic advice on the development of the innovation ecosystem, commercialization pathways, and the adoption of innovation.

• Suggest best practices from other industries and regions.

• Evaluate ecosystem maturity, identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities.

• Aid in the development of future-state ecosystem models and strategic options.

• Engage in stakeholder interviews, workshops, and consultations.

• Facilitate discussions among industry, academia, government, startups, investors, and organizations that support innovation.

• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborations.

• Provide objective external insights for informed decision-making.

• Contribute to executive presentations, briefing documents, and discussion papers.

• Synthesize findings into actionable insights and recommendations.

• Support considerations for strategic options and implementation.

• Deliver ongoing coaching and guidance to the project team.

• Review deliverables and provide feedback throughout the engagement.

• Transfer knowledge, tools, and methodologies to internal team members.

• Deliver an Innovation Landscape Map.

• Develop a National Plan for Gap & Opportunity Assessment.

• Formulate an Ecosystem Mobilization & Culture Building Strategy.

• Create a Funding & Ecosystem Development Plan.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship Engineering, Public Policy, Economics, Technology Management, or a related discipline.

• Over 10 years of experience in innovation strategy, ecosystem development, technology commercialization, economic development, venture capital, innovation consulting, or related areas.

• Proven experience leading innovation landscape or ecosystem mapping projects in Canada.

• Experience collaborating with industry, government, academia, innovation networks, and funding organizations.

• Strong knowledge of Canada's innovation ecosystem, including innovation support programs, accelerators, incubators, research institutions, and commercialization pathways.

• Experience in formulating strategic recommendations for executive leaders and boards.

• Expertise in innovation strategy and ecosystem development.

• Excellent analytical and research skills.

• Outstanding facilitation and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Experience conducting executive workshops and strategic discussions.

• Exceptional written communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to distill complex information into practical recommendations.

• Familiarity with technology adoption, commercialization, and innovation funding models.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, especially PowerPoint.

• A PhD or Master’s degree is considered an asset.

• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, engineering sectors, or welding-related industries is advantageous.

• Ability to work remotely from home with occasional travel required within Canada.

• Capability to arrange necessary travel documents for travel within Canada as part of the contract obligations.

🏝️ Benefits

• Engaging and meaningful work.

• Opportunities to learn from industry leaders and peers.

• A workplace focused on diversity and inclusion.

• Independent contractor engagement with project scope, deliverables, timelines, and compensation agreed upon in advance.

• Flexible engagement on an as-needed basis.

• Occasional travel within Canada for meetings, collaboration, strategic opportunities, networking events, and other required duties.