Conference on the Impact of Queen’s Research on Eastern Ontario’s Economic Revitalization
Posted on April 7, 2009
Critical economic development challenges faced by Eastern Ontario’s rural communities are the focus of a major conference at Queen’s University on April 8th. Community leaders will join academics and policy makers to discuss Eastern Ontario’s changing economic landscape at the 2009 Knowledge Impact in Society (KIS) Showcase at Queen’s School of Business.
Led by The Monieson Centre, the 2009 KIS Showcase brings together leading researchers from Queen’s and other universities, the Prince-Edward/Lennox & Addington Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network, Inc., and over thirty community and government partners to discuss issues including tourism potential, developing a green economy, and creating vibrant downtowns.
Keynote speaker Dr. Robert MacKinnon, Vice-President of the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus, notes Canadian regions “which have for many years depended on manufacturing and industry to sustain their growth, and which are now experiencing stable or declining population bases, are struggling to chart new directions for the future.” During the day, Dr. MacKinnon will relate how university-community partnerships can lead to renewed business development for these communities in a changing economic climate. Other speakers include Queen’s University Principal Tom Williams, Queen’s Vice-Principal (Research) Kerry Rowe and Kingston Mayor Harvey Rosen.
The event will also highlight how Queen’s School of Business is helping Eastern Ontario make the transition into a new economy. “Our goal is to assist businesses throughout Eastern Ontario and across Canada by putting academic knowledge to practical use,” said Dr. Yolande Chan, Director of The Monieson Centre. The Centre’s research includes the Creative Communities blog, which discusses how Eastern Ontario can compete in the emerging creative economy.
The full conference program and list of speakers is available at http://www.easternontarioknowledge.ca/.