Idea Groups

Challenge

To identify distinctive next steps for Concordia’s innovation and entrepreneurship activities. 

Objectives

• Review various university initiatives in innovation and entrepreneurship, identifying components of those initiatives that Concordia might consider adopting.
• Given the proliferation of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives at US and Canadian universities, consider what might come next, after innovation. What alternative language or framing might we consider?
• Identify 2-3 really forward-looking ideas for experimentation, in particular around connecting faculty researchers with opportunities for industry partnerships and commercialization.

Challenge

To devise ways to bolster Concordia’s international reputation and presence on the world stage through further global academic and development engagement.

Objectives

• Identify approaches that would increase the percentage of Concordia students to have an international experience during their studies.
• Present directions that balance geographic and disciplinary interests as well as resources.
• Identify strategies that support our faculty international linkages and research connections. 

Challenge

To facilitate much deeper and more frequent collaboration across departments, Faculties, and disciplines in light of the structures and standard practices that often get in the way. 

Objectives

• Identify inspiring models and assess 2-3 alternative approaches to enabling greater cross-Faculty and cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.
• Identify 2-3 approaches or methods that can be piloted.

Challenge

To update and rethink how we equip a diverse range of students to thrive after graduation. 

Objectives

• Review various articulations of ‘future work skills’ to help identify possible
  ‘next-gen skills’ offerings through the Student Success Centre.
• Review and assess various university-based and non-university-based approaches to badging or alternative credentialing.
• Identify 3-5 really forward-looking ideas for experimentation. 

Challenge

To move from individual achievements to institutional impact.

Objectives

• Identify major components of a handful of institution-level public/community engagement strategies, including for alumni.
• Identify elements of a next-generation model that Concordia might adopt and
  3 to 4 forward-looking strategies or initiatives for consideration.
• Organize a process for collecting community input and validating a draft framework.

Starting point

• Strategic Framework, specifically the working group report on community engagement
• Academic Plan Objective 4
• "Sustainable Community Partnerships: Recommendations for Moving Forward”

Challenge

To identify strategies that help Concordia continue to intensify its research activity and increase our agility in seizing emerging opportunities.    

Objectives

• Identify new structures, models, or practices that other universities successfully use to encourage external partnerships and international collaborations.
• Organize discussions and activities around planned roundtable of granting agency heads in April.