Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Research Objectives
The overall objective of this research is to better understand the attitudes of employers toward innovation. Specific research objectives include: 1. Determine how GTA (Greater Toronto Area) employers define innovation and how that may vary by key sub-groups. 2. Better understand how GTA employers view innovation and the role that they see for PSE (Post-Secondary Education) institutions in innovation training and R&D partnerships. 3. Better understand what essential employability skills are most important to employers, to contribute to innovation, creativity and productivity. 4. Better understand the value and return employers see for innovation. 5. Identify the barriers that are preventing employers from investing more significantly in driving innovation.
Methodology
Quantitative research survey via telephone, using appropriate industry SIC codes to identify target companies (see next slide for complete list of sectors).
Methodology (contd)
Within this sample, a number of sub-groups are included:
Sub-Group Description
Sectors Health Care Hospitality & Culinary Arts Commerce & Communications* Construction, Computers & Software** IT/Engineering/Computers Construction High Tech*** Community & Social Services Fashion, Arts & Design
Sample Size
n=50 n=50 n=55 n=81 n=40 n=41 n=79 n=25 n=26
Sub-Group Description
Organization Size Small (4-19 employees) Medium (20-99 employees) Large (100+ employees) Organization Location City of Toronto (416 area code) GTA outside Toronto (905 area code) Position Line Managers HR Managers
Sample Size
n=113 n=134 n=67
n=148 n=166
n=158 n=156
*Includes business and personal services, financial services, communications and social media. **Includes construction, contractors, architecture, engineering services, IT, computer technology and software development. ***Not mutually exclusive from other groups, includes high tech companies from Commerce & Communications, Construction, Computers & Software and Fashion, Arts & Design sectors.
4
Methodology (contd)
Different symbols appear throughout the report to aid interpretation: Throughout the report, circles and squares have been used to distinguish results which are statistically significant. = indicates findings which are statistically higher (calculated at a 95% confidence level) than other sub-groups. = indicates findings which are statistically lower (calculated at a 95% confidence level) than other sub-groups. = indicates findings which are statistically higher (green) or lower (red) than total sample, calculated at an 80% confidence level.
On the total sample (n = 314), differences of +/- 5.6% are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.
Summary of Findings
Summary of Findings
Defining and Understanding Innovation Only about 6 in 10 employers feel that they understand the meaning of innovation very well Unaided definitions of innovation frequently included the term new For example, new ideas, things, ways, products or technology Although a variety of unaided definitions for innovation emerged, responses tended to revolve around the top 4 definitions:
Creating new services / products / processes Keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas New ways / improving existing services / processes Out of the box / creative thinking
In the High Tech sector, innovation is more about creating new services / products / processes and less about improving existing services / processes and out of the box / creative thinking In larger companies, innovation definitions shift slightly towards more emphasis on customer service and risk-taking
Summary of Findings
Defining and Understanding Innovation (contd) On a aided basis, most employers say that innovation is about finding new ways to improve existing services, products or processes and finding creative ways to solve problems
On an aided basis, employers are much less likely to say that innovation is primarily defined as creating / inventing new things
Productivity is more important to employers than innovation or creativity, which are viewed as equally important Productivity still trumps innovation and creativity, no matter how respondents define innovation
Innovation is more important than creativity in the High Tech and Construction sectors, but productivity is still the most important of all
There is strong agreement that innovation is a tool to gain competitive advantage and that it can improve the economic health of a region Those in Construction and High Tech sectors are the strongest believers in connection between innovation and gains in productivity
Summary of Findings
Employer Interest, Perceived Return and Barriers to Investment in Innovation When innovation is tied to concrete, measurable outcomes, interest in investing in innovation is very high, especially if it helps make an existing process more efficient or effective
Interest in investment in innovation is highest in High Tech sector There is less interest in investing in innovation for productivity or long-term profitability in small companies
Shortage of innovative employees to hire is the largest barrier to employers investing in innovation, along with concerns about long-term ROI
Shortage of innovative employees to hire is #1 biggest barrier for High Tech employers
Over half of employers feel that a dependence on old economy industries or a lack of private sector funding are causing Canadas low levels of innovation The majority of GTA employers have introduced a new product and significantly improved an existing product in the past year About one-third of those that introduced a new product in the past two years solicited investment and received support
9
Summary of Findings
Innovation in The Greater Toronto Area Less than half (42%) of respondents say that Toronto is more innovative than other major Canadian cities; three-quarters (76%) say Tronto is at least as innovative as other major Canadian cities.
Perceptions of Toronto as being more innovative are highest in the Construction sector, and amongst the keeping up / staying ahead of the newest tech / ideas definition group; and lowest amongst the improving existing services / processes group
Half of employers believe government should be taking lead responsibility for investing in innovation in the GTA, well ahead of expectations of private sector companies (21%)
Expectations of Post Secondary Education institutions (PSEs) at 16%, is almost as high as for the private sector Those that define innovation as creating new services / products / processes or improving existing services / processes are more likely to believe that the private sector should be responsible for investing in innovation Highest expectation of government innovation leadership is in Hospitality & Culinary Arts; lowest in High Tech and Construction
Telecommunications, and especially Information Technology, are perceived by employers to be the most innovative sectors The vast majority agree that multiculturalism has a positive impact on Canadas ability to innovate More than half (55%) of respondents could not name a current and successful innovator in the GTA neither an organization nor an individual
10
Summary of Findings
Employee Skills Expectations of Employers The most important aspect of innovation-related skills is the ability to learn new things quickly Employers coalesce around ability to learn new things quickly and applying problem-solving skills as the top 2 most important innovation-related skills The most important aspect of creativity-related skills is the ability to think creatively Creative thinking clearly stands out as the most important creativity-related skill A strong work ethic, efficiency and high quality work are most important productivity-related traits for new graduates
When forced to choose, a strong work ethic trumps all else
Overall, the single most important new graduate skill / ability employers want is a strong work ethic; followed by doing high quality work and learning new things quickly
11
Summary of Findings
Role of Post-Secondary Institutions in Innovation Training Large majority of employers see PSEs as having an important role in equipping employees with innovation skills
Those who see innovation as creating new services / products / processes are more likely to believe that PSEs should play a role in equipping graduates with an understanding of innovation
More employers see Colleges than Universities as the PSE of choice to equip graduates with innovation skills
Those who view innovation as keeping up / staying ahead on an unaided basis, are more likely to state that Colleges are the best PSEs for equipping students with innovation skills Employers who define innovation as inventing new or improving existing services, products or processes or finding new ways to do more with less on an aided basis, are more likely to see Colleges as better than Universities for equipping students with innovation skills
Relatively few employers are aware of partnership opportunities with Colleges and Universities Levels of past experience with R&D partnerships with PSEs is low, and skews towards Universities Although relatively few have experience with R&D partnerships, there is interest in learning more about them
Those who have participated in R&D partnerships in the past are significantly more interested in learning more about them
12
Detailed Findings
Only about 6 in 10 employers feel that they understand the meaning of innovation very well
By sector, this peaks at 8 in 10 (79%) in High Tech; half or less understand the meaning of innovation very well in Community & Social Services (36%), Health Care (46%) and Hospitality & Culinary Arts (50%).
Understanding of Innovation
(Total)
n=314
Very Well
58%
Somewhat Well
Not at All
37% 5%
15
Q6: The topic of our discussion today is innovation and its role within organizations. To begin, how well do you feel you and your organization understand the meaning of innovation? Would you say you understand innovation
Unaided definitions of innovation frequently included the term new For example, new ideas, things, ways, products or technology
16
Although a variety of unaided definitions for innovation emerged, responses tended to revolve around the top 4 definitions below
About half of GTA employers say that innovation is creating new products, services or processes or finding new ways to improve existing services / processes. R&D is not equivalent to innovation. Only 2% of employers mentioned R&D in their definition of innovation. Definitions of Innovation Unaided
(Total)
Innovation is ...
n=314
Creating new services / products / processes Keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas New ways / improving existing services / processes Out of the box / creative thinking Progress / consistently moving forward Finding new ways to achieve more with less Staying ahead of the competition Great customer service Taking initiative / chances Research and development Enhancing workforce / increasing diversity Improving the culture Using social media Other Dont know
Q7. How would you define innovation? Please be as specific as possible.
Innovation is ...
Creating new services / products / processes 30% of Total
Creating products or processes that have never been done before.
(Total)
n=314
Keeping up with technology and staying one step ahead of the game; looking ahead and moving forward. Keeping up with new trends and technology and being efficient.
Coming up with new ways of using new technology that meet our clients needs for the future.
Constantly being creative, thinking outside the box and coming to market with new things and ideas.
Creating something new that adds value for us to your clients business and something that hasn't been thought out before.
Innovation is looking to the future and taking the new leads and running with them like technology and social media. Forward thinking. Moving with the times and keep up with trends.
Thinking about moving forward ahead and thinking outside of the box.
New ideas, creating new ideas, keeping up to date, keeping ahead of your competitors with new products and new ideas.
Innovation is all about being creative, and using new and inventive ways.
18
In the High Tech sector, innovation is more about creating new services / products / processes and less about improving existing services / processes and out of the box / creative thinking
Like those in the High Tech sector, the Construction sector also tends to view innovation more as creating something new, while those in Health Care are more likely to think that it is keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas. Commerce & Communications sector gravitates Definitions of Innovation Unaided more toward innovation as improving (Total) existing services / processes n=314
Health Care
n=50
Innovation is ...
Creating new services / products / processes
Keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas New ways / improving existing services / processes Out of the box / creative thinking Progress / consistently moving forward Finding new ways to achieve more with less Staying ahead of the competition Great customer service Taking initiative / chances Research and development Enhancing workforce / increasing diversity Improving the culture Using social media Other Dont know
22%
40% 20% 14% 6% 8% 4% 4% 2% 4% 2% 18% 8%
32%
26% 20% 12% 4% 6% 6% 2% 2% 8% 14%
38%
16% 33% 16% 9% 7% 9% 6% 2% 2% 2% 2% 9% 6%
23%
10% 28% 20% 13% 5% 3% 3% 5% 13% 5%
39%
29% 17% 20% 5% 5% 2% 5% 2% 2% 2% 2% 5%
41%
30% 15% 11% 7% 7% 4% 4% 4% 7%
19
In larger companies, innovation definitions shift slightly towards more emphasis on customer service and risk-taking
In small companies, somewhat less focus on out of the box / creative thinking. HR Managers have somewhat more focus on creating new services / products / processes Definitions of Innovation Unaided (Total) than Line Managers do. n=314 Position Company Size
Innovation is ...
Creating new services / products / processes Keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas New ways / improving existing services / processes Out of the box / creative thinking Progress / consistently moving forward Finding new ways to achieve more with less Staying ahead of the competition Great customer service
Small (4-19)
n=113
Medium (20-99)
n=134
Large (100+)
n=67
32%
25% 23% 12% 8% 4% 4% 4% 2% 4% 2% 2% 11% 8%
25%
28% 22% 19% 7% 8% 5% 2% 2% 2% 2% 10% 8%
35%
30% 26% 21% 5% 5% 5% 9% 7% 2% 2% 5% 2% 5%
25%
27% 25% 18% 7% 8% 4% 3% 3% 1% 2% 1% 2% 9% 9%
35%
26% 21% 16% 8% 4% 5% 5% 2% 3% 1% 2% 1% 10% 6%
20
On a aided basis, most employers say that innovation is about finding new ways to improve existing services, products or processes and finding creative ways to solve problems
Less than one-fifth of employers (18%) say that innovation is about inventing new services, products or processes.
Innovation is finding new ways to improve existing services, products or processes Innovation is finding creative ways to solve problems
34%
30%
18%
15%
Dont know
3%
Q8: Thinking about innovation, of the following four statements, which one do you most agree with? Please select one answer only.
21
On an aided basis, employers are much less likely to say that innovation is primarily defined as creating / inventing new things
Although creating / inventing new services, products or processes was the top definition of innovation on an unaided basis, it becomes less popular once framed against other options.
Innovation is ...
Finding new ways to improve existing services, products or processes
n=314
Gap Score
(Aided Unaided)
23%
34%
+11
17%
Out of the box / creative thinking / Finding creative ways to solve problems
30%
+13
30%
18%
-12
6%
15%
+9
26%
n/a
n/a
Q8: Thinking about innovation, of the following four statements, which one do you most agree with? Please select one answer only.
22
Productivity is more important to employers than innovation or creativity, which are viewed as equally important
Nearly all GTA employers agree that productivity is very important in their organization About 6 in 10 say the same for innovation and creativity; and almost no employers (1-2%) say innovation or creativity are not important.
Productivity
92%
Innovation
62%
Creativity
62%
Q9: How important are each of the following attributes to your organization? Please say whether each one is very important, somewhat important, or not important.
23
Productivity still trumps innovation and creativity, no matter how respondents define innovation
Innovation is valued most by those who consider it to be out of the box / creative thinking.
Keeping Up
n=83
Productivity
92%
94%
93%
93%
93%
Innovation
62%
59%
66%
66%
70%
Creativity
62%
65%
57%
62%
62%
Innovation is creating new services / products / processes Innovation is keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas
Improving Existing:
Out of the Box:
Q9: How important are each of the following attributes to your organization? Please say whether each one is very important, somewhat important, or not important.
Innovation is more important than creativity in the High Tech and Construction sectors, but productivity is still the most important of all
Productivity is even more important in the Hospitality & Culinary Arts and IT / Engineering fields.
Health Care
n=50
H&CA
n=50
Productivity
92%
88%
96%
93%
98%
93%
92%
Innovation
62%
52%
58%
64%
68%
73%
73%
Creativity
62%
48%
60%
66%
65%
61%
66%
Q9: How important are each of the following attributes to your organization? Please say whether each one is very important, somewhat important, or not important.
25
There is strong agreement that innovation is a tool to gain competitive advantage and that it can improve the economic health of a region
There is relatively less agreement that organizations should invest in innovation in order to drive the economy, or that gains in productivity are the direct result of a culture of innovation.
Innovation Statements
(Total)
n=314
Strongly Agree
Innovation is an effective tool in gaining a competitive advantage over competitors
Disagree 22% 2%
Investing in innovation can help improve the economic health of a region or country
68%
31%
1%
53%
43%
4%
41%
55%
4%
Q10: I am going to read you a list of statements about innovation. For each statement, please say whether you strongly agree with it, somewhat agree with it, or disagree with it.
26
Those in Construction and High Tech sectors are the strongest believers in connection between innovation and gains in productivity
Using innovation to gain a competitive advantage over competitors is a top benefit of innovation across all sectors.
Health Care
n=50
H&CA
n=50
76%
68%
80%
75%
70%
83%
77%
Investing in innovation can help improve the economic health of a region or country
Organizations should invest in innovation in order to drive the economy Gains in productivity are a direct result of a culture of innovation
68%
62%
66%
78%
63%
73%
63%
53%
44%
60%
56%
48%
56%
57%
41%
34%
38%
44%
38%
51%
51%
Q10: I am going to read you a list of statements about innovation. For each statement, please say whether you strongly agree with it, somewhat agree with it, or disagree with it.
27
When innovation is tied to concrete, measurable outcomes, interest in investing in innovation is very high, especially if it helps make an existing process more efficient or effective
Very Likely
Somewhat Likely
Top 2 Box
62%
96%
53%
93%
51%
91%
37%
85%
Could increase long-term profitability, but will increase cost and reduce profitability in short term
31%
82%
Q11. Im going to read you a list of potential innovation investment scenarios you may have experienced in your organization. Please say whether you feel your organization would be very likely to invest, somewhat likely to invest, somewhat unlikely to invest, or very unlikely to invest in innovation if it
29
(Total)
n=314
Health Care
n=50
H&CA
n=50
Would help make an existing process more efficient or more effective Would reduce the cost of producing an existing product or performing an existing service Would help increase demand for an existing product or service Could improve the economic health of the country Could increase long-term profitability, but will increase cost and reduce profitability in short term
62%
96%
62%
58%
64%
65%
56%
72%
53%
93%
52%
50%
53%
50%
59%
60%
51%
91%
30%
50%
58%
53%
66%
61%
37%
85%
32%
38%
46%
35%
32%
37%
31%
82%
24%
32%
31%
33%
29%
33%
Q11. Im going to read you a list of potential innovation investment scenarios you may have experienced in your organization. Please say whether you feel your organization would be very likely to invest, somewhat likely to invest, somewhat unlikely to invest, or very unlikely to invest in innovation if it
30
There is less interest in investing in innovation for productivity or long-term profitability in small companies
No matter their company size, a majority of employers would be very likely to invest in innovation if it helped make an existing process more efficient or more effective.
Company Size
Small (4-19)
n=113
n=314
Medium (20-99)
n=134
Large (100+)
n=67
Would help make an existing process more efficient or more effective Would reduce the cost of producing an existing product or performing an existing service Would help increase demand for an existing product or service Could improve the economic health of the country Could increase long-term profitability, but will increase cost and reduce profitability in short term
62%
96%
56%
68%
63%
53%
93%
46%
58%
55%
51%
91%
47%
52%
57%
37%
85%
35%
37%
39%
31%
82%
24%
37%
33%
Q11. Im going to read you a list of potential innovation investment scenarios you may have experienced in your organization. Please say whether you feel your organization would be very likely to invest, somewhat likely to invest, somewhat unlikely to invest, or very unlikely to invest in innovation if it
31
49%
83%
48%
93%
40%
89%
36%
93%
31%
84%
31%
78%
Q12. Im going to read you a list of potential investments in innovation. For each potential investment, please indicate whether you feel it will provide a significant tangible return on investment, a modest tangible return on investment, or no tangible return on investment.
32
High Tech is sector that sees most significant ROI in technology and investment in new products / services
Health Care is sector seeing much more significant ROI for employee innovation skills training and development. Hospitality & Culinary Arts sector sees most significant ROI for hiring graduates from institutions building innovation skills into their curriculum. Perceived Return on Potential Investments - % Significant Return
(Total)
n=314
Health Care
n=50 Developing new technology, such as systems and software Innovation skills training / professional development programs for your employees Investing in the development of a new product or service Hiring graduates from an institution who builds innovation as a skill set in its curriculum Fostering R&D partnerships with educational institutions Acquiring a company with an innovative product or service that is in-market or market-ready
H&CA
n=50
49%
48%
40%
36%
31%
31%
Q12. Im going to read you a list of potential investments in innovation. For each potential investment, please indicate whether you feel it will provide a significant tangible return on investment, a modest tangible return on investment, or no tangible return on investment.
Small companies are less convinced of the ROI that investing in innovation would provide
Medium sized companies are more likely to see hiring graduates equipped with innovation skills as providing a significant return, while large companies appear more willing to invest in developing new products / services.
Company Size
Small (4-19)
n=113
Medium (20-99)
n=134
Large (100+)
n=67
Developing new technology, such as systems and software Innovation skills training / professional development programs for your employees Investing in the development of a new product or service Hiring graduates from an institution who builds innovation as a skill set in its curriculum Fostering R&D partnerships with educational institutions Acquiring a company with an innovative product or service that is in-market or market-ready
49%
48%
40%
36%
31%
31%
Q12. Im going to read you a list of potential investments in innovation. For each potential investment, please indicate whether you feel it will provide a significant tangible return on investment, a modest tangible return on investment, or no tangible return on investment.
Shortage of innovative employees to hire is the largest barrier to employers investing in innovation, along with concerns about long-term ROI
32%
74%
Concerns that the up-front investment will not pay long-term dividends Belief in management that innovation often does not result in tangible short-term benefits Innovation is not a major focus of our organization Problems concerning proprietary rights and patents
29%
72%
19%
60%
17%
52%
15%
47%
Q13. I will now read you a list of potential reasons that could be barriers to your organization investing in innovation. For each potential reason, please indicate whether you feel it is a significant barrier, a moderate barrier, or not a barrier to your organization investing in innovation.
35
Shortage of innovative employees to hire is #1 biggest barrier for High Tech employers
Also clear #1 barrier for Hospitality & Culinary Arts and IT / Engineering sector. By job function, HR Managers especially focused on innovative employees as #1 barrier, while Line Managers more equally concerned about ROI as well as shortage of innovative new hires. Barriers to Investment in Innovation - % Significant Barrier
(Total)
n=314
Health Care
n=50
H&CA
n=50
32%
74%
30%
34%
29%
40%
34%
41%
29%
72%
30%
20%
27%
18%
37%
28%
Belief in management that innovation often does not result in tangible short- 19% term benefits Innovation is not a major focus of our organization 17% Problems concerning proprietary rights and patents 15%
60%
14%
14%
20%
18%
32%
22%
52%
16%
28%
16%
10%
17%
10%
47%
12%
18%
15%
13%
20%
14%
Q13. I will now read you a list of potential reasons that could be barriers to your organization investing in innovation. For each potential reason, please indicate whether you feel it is a significant barrier, a moderate barrier, or not a barrier to your organization investing in innovation.
36
Over half of employers feel that a dependence on old economy industries or a lack of private sector funding are causing Canadas low levels of innovation
Reasons for Canadas poor performance on innovation are consistent by sector. Smaller companies are more likely to feel that Canada doesnt have enough private sector venture capital investment.
31%
55%
We don't have enough private sector venture capital investment in R&D
24%
We are more risk averse than our U.S. and global competitors
21%
7%
17%
Q33. Research suggests that Canada and the GTA are lagging behind other countries on innovation. In your opinion, which one of the following reasons best describes why the innovation levels of Canada and the GTA have been so low for so long?
37
The majority of GTA employers have introduced a new product and significantly improved an existing product in the past year
This is similar across the sectors.
3% 5%
9%
Within the last 12 months
3% 7%
9%
13%
70%
14%
67%
Q14. When was the last time your organization introduced a new product or service? Q15. When was the last time your organization significantly improved an existing product, service or critical process? Please keep in mind your answers are confidential and we are asking about a significant improvement.
38
About one-third of those that introduced a new product in the past two years solicited investment and received support
However, two-thirds did not solicit investment. Almost all of those that solicited investment from an outside organization received at least some support. Sources of investment are widely dispersed private investment and government investment is about equal. Low levels of current solicitation and support with Colleges. Investment Behaviour
NET: Government Federal Government Provincial Government NET: Private Venture Capital Private Investor NET: Post Secondary Partnered with College Partnered with University None of the above 7% 4% 19% 18% 10% 8% 5% 4% 9% 7% 67% 71%
39
Q16a. When your organization introduced its new product or service, did you solicit any investment or support from any of the following sources? Q16b. And did you receive support from the source(s) you solicited from?
Less than half (42%) of respondents say that Toronto is more innovative than other major Canadian cities
Three-quarters (76%) say Toronto is at least as innovative as other major Canadian cities. Perceptions of Toronto being more innovative are highest in the Construction sector (54%), and lowest in the Commerce & Communications and IT / Engineering sectors (35%).
Total
n=314
Health Care
n=50
n=40
n=41
n=79
More Innovative
42%
38%
50%
35%
35%
54%
47%
Q28. From your experiences, how innovative do you think Toronto is compared to other major Canadian cities?
41
Half of employers believe that government should be taking the lead responsibility for investing in innovation in the GTA
The perception is that it should be the Federal and Provincial governments doing the investing; little is expected from the municipal level. Expectations of PSEs almost as high as for private sector much more so for Universities than Colleges at present. Responsibility for Investing in Innovation in GTA
(Total)
n=314
Municipal government
Private sector companies NET: PSEs Universities Colleges Other
Q29. Which one source do you think should have the most responsibility for investing in innovation in Toronto and the GTA?
Those that define innovation as creating new services / products / processes or improving existing services / processes are more likely to believe that the private sector should be responsible for investing in innovation
They are also less likely to believe that this responsibility falls on PSEs. Responsibility for Investing in Innovation in GTA
(Total)
n=314
Keeping Up
n=83
Improving Existing
n=71
NET: Government Provincial government Federal government Municipal government Private sector companies NET: PSEs Universities Colleges Other
50% 22%
49% 23%
49% 24%
46% 21%
18%
10%
25%
1% 13% 19% 11% 8% 10%
24%
1% 32% 9% 9% 0% 6%
17%
8% 26% 13% 9% 4% 6%
21%
16% 11% 5% 8%
29% 11% 9% 2% 6%
Innovation is creating new services / products / processes Innovation is keeping up / staying ahead on the newest tech / ideas Innovation is improving existing services / processes Innovation is out of the box / creative thinking
44
Q29. Which one source do you think should have the most responsibility for investing in innovation in Toronto and the GTA?
Telecommunications, and especially Information Technology, are perceived to be the most innovative sectors
The Information Technology sector is especially seen as most innovative amongst Construction employers (61%). Education sector more likely to see seen as innovative by Hospitality & Culinary Arts (18%) and Community & Social Services (20%). Most Innovative Sector
(Total)
n=314
Information technology Telecommunications Education Manufacturing Food and hospitality Construction and property development Banking and financial services Other
46% 20% 9% 6% 5% 4% 3% 4%
Q30. Of the following sectors, which one do you think is the most innovative?
46
The vast majority agree that multiculturalism has a positive impact on Canadas ability to innovate
Very few (8%) believe that Canadas multiculturalism has a negative impact on innovation, consistent across sector. Belief that multiculturalism has a strong positive impact on innovation in Canada is highest amongst the Hospitality & Culinary Arts sectors, and lowest in the Commerce & sector. Impact of Canadas Multiculturalism on Innovation % Strong Positive Impact
(Total)
n=314
Health Care
n=50
H&CA
n=50
44%
82%
48%
56%
33%
40%
49%
39%
Q32. Canada is considered to be one of the most multicultural countries in the world. What impact do you think immigration has had on Canadas ability to innovate?
47
More than half of respondents could not name a current and successful innovator in the GTA
Consistent with views on the most innovative sectors, top company mentions were largely in the information technology and telecommunications sectors. Number one most mentioned individual organization was Apple (13 mentions). Very few mentions of individuals, and those who are mentioned mostly not based in GTA, e.g., Jim Balsillie (2 mentions) and Frank Stronach (2 mentions).
Top Mentions
Among those companies mentioned by at least 1% of Total
48
The most important aspect of innovation-related skills is the ability to learn new things quickly
Followed by the application of problem-solving to existing situations.
Extremely Important
Able to learn new things quickly
Very Important
40%
26%
21% 14% 53%
65%
7%
26%
Q17a: With regard to new hires that have just graduated from college or university, how important are each of the following skills and abilities to performing the type of work that most new college or university hires would typically do at your organization?
50
Employers coalesce around ability to learn new things quickly and applying problem-solving skills as the top 2 most important innovation-related skills
Same top 2 most important skills in all sectors. Able to learn new things quickly is #1 most important in all sectors, except top 2 tied in High Tech and Community & Social Services.
Extremely Important
Able to learn new things quickly Innovative in applying problem-solving to existing situations
Very Important
49% 26% 9% 8% 3% 5%
40%
26%
21% 14% 11% 7% 53%
Finds new ways to get results in the work they do Makes suggestions for improving products and/or processes Conceptual understanding of how to be innovative Previous experience with real-life research and development project
26%
Q17a: With regard to new hires that have just graduated from college or university, how important are each of the following skills and abilities to performing the type of work that most new college or university hires would typically do at your organization?
51
The most important aspect of creativity-related skills is the ability to think creatively
All 3 of these skills are rated higher in High Tech sector for being extremely important.
Extremely Important
Very Important
Top 2 Box
Thinks creatively
15%
65%
10%
55%
6%
25%
Q18a: With regard to new hires that have just graduated from college or university, how important are each of the following skills and abilities to performing the type of work that most new college or university hires would typically do at your organization?
52
Creative thinking clearly stands out as the most important creativity-related skill
Thinking creatively is clear #1 amongst these skills in all sectors, except Health Care where it is tied with source of new ideas.
Extremely Important
62%
Thinks creatively
15%
65%
27%
10%
55%
12%
25%
Q18a: With regard to new hires that have just graduated from college or university, how important are each of the following skills and abilities to performing the type of work that most new college or university hires would typically do at your organization?
53
A strong work ethic, efficiency and high quality work are most important productivity-related traits for new graduates
Extremely Important
Very Important
51%
43%
96%
34%
97%
Finds new ways to get more done in less time with less effort
26%
71%
16%
56%
Q19a: With regard to new hires that have just graduated from college or university, how important are each of the following skills and abilities to performing the type of work that most new college or university hires would typically do at your organization?
54
Extremely Important
Very Important
48%
51%
29%
43%
96%
12%
34%
97%
8%
Finds new ways to get more done in less time with less effort
26%
71%
4%
16%
56%
Q17a: With regard to new hires that have just graduated from college or university, how important are each of the following skills and abilities to performing the type of work that most new college or university hires would typically do at your organization?
55
Overall, the single most important new graduate skill / ability employers want is a strong work ethic; followed by doing high quality work and learning new things quickly
Has a strong work ethic Able to learn new things quickly Does high quality work Innovative in applying problem-solving skills Thinks creatively Performs tasks efficiently Find new ways to get more done with less time/effort Previous experience with real-life R&D project Finds new ways to get results in the work they do Makes suggestions for improving products/processes Is a source of new ideas Finds ways to reduce costs Conceptual understanding of how to be innovative Creates new products and/or processes 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 0% 0% 7% 7% 6% 5% 18% 17%
33%
Q20: In each of the last three questions, you identified a skill or ability that was the most important for new college or university graduates to possess for work in your organization. These abilities were [READ ANSWERS FROM Q17b, Q18b, and Q19b]. Of these three skills or abilities, which one would you say is the most important for new college or university graduates to possess for work in your organization?
56
Large majority of employers see PSEs as having an important role in equipping employees with innovation skills
More than half (56%) want PSEs to focus on providing a conceptual understanding of innovation, leaving it to employers to hone and apply innovation skills. High Tech and Commerce & Communications sectors more likely to believe that PSEs should play a role in equipping graduates with innovation skills, whether that role is sole or shared responsibility.
16%
28%
56%
Both PSE & Organization: Post-secondary education institutions should equip graduates with a conceptual understanding of what innovation is all about, but it is up to the organization to hone the innovation skills of employees and provide them with the opportunity to apply those skills
PSE: Post-secondary education institutions should equip graduates with innovation skills that organizations can take advantage of Organization: It is the responsibility of organizations to equip their employees with an understanding of and experience with innovation at the appropriate time in their career
Q21. Thinking about equipping employees with innovation skills, or skills that help firms be innovative, which one of the following statements do you most agree with? Q22. And which type of post-secondary institution is the best place to equip future employees with innovation skills and abilities?
58
More employers see Colleges than Universities as the PSE of choice to equip graduates with innovation skills
Responsibility for Equipping Graduates with Innovation Skills
(Total)
n=314
16%
28%
84%
Colleges
41%
Universities
32%
56%
Both equally
19%
Both PSE & Organization: Post-secondary education institutions should equip graduates with a conceptual understanding of innovation, organization should hone and apply innovation skills PSE: Post-secondary education institutions should equip graduates with innovation skills Organization: It is the responsibility of organizations to equip their employees with an understanding of and experience with innovation
Dont know
8%
Q21. Thinking about equipping employees with innovation skills, or skills that help firms be innovative, which one of the following statements do you most agree with? Q22. And which type of post-secondary institution is the best place to equip future employees with innovation skills and abilities?
60
Employers who define innovation as inventing new or improving existing services, products or processes, or finding new ways to do more with less are more likely to see Colleges as better than Universities for equipping students with innovation skills
Only those employers who define innovation more in terms of creative ways to solve problems are more likely to favour Universities.
Inventing
n=57
Productivity
n=46
Creativity
n=93
Colleges
41%
41%
32%
39%
26%
Universities
32%
25%
23%
17%
39%
Both equally
19%
12%
23%
9%
19%
Dont know
8%
8%
9%
4%
4%
Improving: Inventing:
Innovation is finding new ways to improve existing services, products or processes Innovation is inventing new services, products or processes
Productivity:
Creativity:
Q22. And which type of post-secondary institution is the best place to equip future employees with innovation skills and abilities?
Relatively few employers are aware of partnership opportunities with Colleges and Universities
Only about one-third of GTA employers (30%) are aware of R&D partnerships with post-secondary institutions. Of those who are aware of these types of partnerships, about half (54%) are aware that these partnerships are available with George Brown College specifically. Awareness of R&D / Funding Partnerships with Colleges & Universities
(Total)
n=314
0%
70%
30%
54%
46%
Yes No
Only 16% of the Total sample were aware of the R&D / Partnership funding initiatives that George Brown College offers.
0%
Yes No
Q23. Are you aware of the R&D partnerships and government funding opportunities available through colleges and universities in the GTA? Q24. Are you aware of the R&D partnerships and government funding opportunities available through George Brown College?
63
Levels of past experience with R&D partnerships with PSEs is low, and skews towards Universities
20% of GTA employers have participated in an R&D partnership with an educational organization, with universities generally being the partner of choice over colleges. And few of the non-triers have even considered such partnerships (20 % of non-triers; 16% of Total sample). Ever Consider Partnering for R&D Project
(Among answering)
n=251
15%
68%
Yes, with a College Yes, with another educational organization No
8%
20% 12%
2%
77%
Yes
Dont know
3%
Q25. Have you ever partnered with another educational organization, such as a college or university, on a research or product development project? Q26. Have you ever considered partnering with an educational organization, such as a college or university, on a research or product development project?
64
Although relatively few have experience with R&D partnerships, there is interest in learning more about them
The strongest interest in learning about partnership opportunities is within the Construction sector. Interest in Learning About Partnership Opportunities
(Total)
n=314
Very Interested Somewhat Interested Not Interested
18%
44%
39%
62% Interested
Health Care
n=50
H&CA
n=50
8%
14%
7%
20%
27%
20%
Q27. How interested would you be in learning more about opportunities to partner with an educational organization, such as a college or university, on a research or product development project?
65