Innovation Roadmaps
The centrepiece of the initiative are Industry Innovation Roadmaps, implemented through Industry Accelerators.
Industry Innovation Roadmaps provide a vehicle for a sector to collaboratively develop a shared growth strategy, encompassing market research, product innovation and development of new routes to market. Roadmaps collate market research, identify niche opportunities and co-ordinate a shared innovation pipeline for members to co-develop products to meet those opportunities.
The backbone of these efforts are the creation of ‘Technology Roadmaps‘ (TRMs), a common product innovation roadmap and business plan for the whole industry that each business contributes to and can benefit from.
Technology Roadmaps are introduced and how to use them explained in detail in this guide, and the Canadian Government further explains them here, providing a list of completed roadmap programs for industries such as electric vehicles, intelligent buildings and smart grids among others, where they describe:
“Technology roadmapping brings players together to work together in a far-reaching planning process and opens the door to collaborative research and development (R&D).
Technology Roadmaps (TRM) can play a key role in enhancing innovation. It is a document outlining future market demand and the recommended means to meet this demand. A roadmap does not predict future breakthroughs in science or technology; rather, it forecasts and articulates the elements required to address future technological needs. A roadmap describes a given future, based on the shared vision of the people developing the roadmap and provides a framework for making that future happen technologically.”
A whole book is available that explores their usage in academic detail. The process begins with a lead organization, such as a government body, industry consortium, or university, identifying a high-potential sector and rallying key players.
Stakeholders engage to align on a shared vision, contributing their expertise, funding, or infrastructure to drive collaborative projects. These projects, guided by the roadmap, may include joint research, pilot programs, or workforce training initiatives.
As innovations succeed, they are scaled through commercialization, attracting investment and expanding market reach, which generates significant economic benefits like job creation, increased GDP, and enhanced global competitiveness.
These accelerators focus on creating ecosystems where shared resources, knowledge, and infrastructure drive technological advancements and market competitiveness.
These serve as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together participants from across academia, government and business, as well as documenting an investment framework for advancing adoption of the technology. Industry Innovation Accelerators aim to catalyze economic success by concentrating efforts within a specific industry sector (e.g., biotechnology, clean energy, or advanced manufacturing).
They organize stakeholders—companies, universities, government agencies, and investors—around a shared innovation roadmap. This roadmap outlines goals, milestones, and collaborative strategies to develop cutting-edge products, services, or processes that enhance the sector’s global competitiveness and economic impact.
Collaborative Innovation Roadmaps
At the heart of these accelerators is the collaborative innovation roadmap, a strategic plan that outlines shared goals, timelines, and priorities for advancing the sector.
This roadmap aligns stakeholders on research and development priorities, technology advancements, and market entry strategies, while addressing challenges like regulatory barriers, skill shortages, or funding gaps.
By fostering collaboration over competition, accelerators enable participants to pool resources, such as research facilities, data, or investment, which reduces costs, mitigates risks, and accelerates the development of new products or services.
These offerings are typically high-value, targeting global markets or addressing pressing challenges like climate change or healthcare innovation.
- A roadmap is a strategic plan that defines shared objectives, timelines, and priorities for innovation within the sector.
- It aligns stakeholders on R&D priorities, technology development, and market entry strategies.
- Roadmaps often address challenges like regulatory hurdles, skill gaps, or funding needs, ensuring coordinated action.
The process begins with a lead organization, such as a government body, industry consortium, or university, identifying a high-potential sector and rallying key players. Stakeholders engage to align on a shared vision, contributing their expertise, funding, or infrastructure to drive collaborative projects.
These projects, guided by the roadmap, may include joint research, pilot programs, or workforce training initiatives. As innovations succeed, they are scaled through commercialization, attracting investment and expanding market reach, which generates significant economic benefits like job creation, increased GDP, and enhanced global competitiveness.
- Accelerators promote collaboration over competition by enabling shared access to resources like R&D facilities, data, or funding.
- Joint projects reduce costs, mitigate risks, and accelerate time-to-market for new products or services.
Examples include co-developed technologies, open innovation platforms, or public-private partnerships. - The focus is on creating offerings with significant market potential, such as next-generation materials, AI-driven solutions, or sustainable energy technologies.
- These products/services often address global challenges (e.g., climate change, healthcare) or tap into emerging markets, driving economic growth.
How They Work
- Formation: A lead organization (e.g., government, industry consortium, or university) initiates the accelerator, identifying a high-potential sector and key players.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Businesses, startups, researchers, and policymakers are brought together to align on a shared vision.
- Resource Pooling: Participants contribute expertise, funding, or infrastructure. For example, universities provide research, companies offer market insights, and governments may provide grants or tax incentives.
- Innovation Execution: Collaborative projects are launched, guided by the roadmap. These may include joint R&D, pilot programs, or workforce training initiatives.
Scaling and Impact: Successful innovations are scaled through commercialization, attracting investment, and expanding market reach, which boosts regional or national economies.
