Lead, UArctic Thematic Network on The Commercialization of Science and Technology for the North
In my role as Canada Research Chair and Director, International Centre for Northern Governance and Development, I am pursuing some significant projects related to northern development and circumpolar affairs. I am currently working on three major initiatives:
Circumpolar Innovation: I am examining the nature and extent of innovation in the Circumpolar world, with a view to gaining lessons for Northern Saskatchewan. I am particularly interested in innovative approaches to the delivery of governments and efforts to commercialize scientific and technological discoveries.
North Below the North: I am working with Greg Poelzer on a study of the circumpolar sub-Arctic. With much of the political attention focused on the High Arctic, much less study is being devoted to the more heavily populated and economically important sub-Arctic. This study is looking at the socio-economic and political evolution of this vital region, of which northern Saskatchewan is a crucial part.
Northern Saskatchewan Human Development Project: Northern Saskatchewan faces significant socio-economic problems, ranging from unemployment and below average incomes to challenges sustaining traditional economic activity. We do not, however, have a proper baseline for understanding the regional and public policy issues that are vital for the future of northern Saskatchewan. This socio-economic study, a centre-piece of the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development and undertaken with Greg Poelzer, will be maintained as a long-term initiative in order to chart changes related to government policy and northern economic activity.
