Innovation Summit sparks creativity

How can individuals ignite the spark of innovation and transform ideas into business innovations that work? More than 200 Business, Law, Engineering and Policy Studies students, industry representatives, alumni and the general public descended on Goodes Hall on March 9 and 10 to find out.

This third iteration of the annual MBA student-organized event, originally the first of its kind in Canada, featured more than 30 thought leaders on innovation and creativity from leading companies, institutions and think-tanks from across North America, including 3M, Bombardier, RBC, Xerox, IBM, Exxon, Industry Canada, the National Research Council (NRC), Queen’s-based PARTEQ and Ontario Centres of Excellence.

“Spark” was the Summit’s theme, showcased in presentations that offered strategies on how to create those elusive “Eureka!” moments and transform them into viable business innovations. Other sessions included the best ways to use innovation to create sustainable competitive advantage.

“The Canadian and world economies are at a crossroads,” said Christina Waters, MBA’12, who co-chaired the Summit along with classmate Andrew Cormier. “Strategies used in the past will not necessarily work in the future. That’s why this year’s Summit focused on how innovation is a key strategic tool for future personal, corporate, and societal success.”