Dean’s Message

JUST AS WE ARE BORN researchers–born curious, we are also born innovators– continually challenging the status quo and driving change.

It is no secret that my favourite author in the realm of innovation is Roberto Verganti, who wrote “Design-Driven Innovation” in 2009. His belief that innovation is a change in meaning instantly resonated with me.

Indeed, innovation is a change in meaning. How can we translate that change in meaning in a polytechnic context? What are our available resources and assets? How can we best inculcate, foster and nourish an innovation mindset through a focused and purposeful student-centred learning platform? How are we addressing a new world of work? You guessed it—through research and innovation!

Our Centres of Innovation are instrumental in championing this innovation mindset. Humber’s COI network focuses on our polytechnic approach, simply put, by solving problems—combining the best of technology, collaborating with industry and community partners, and embodying a de-siloed approach to research and innovation.

Every research conducted, every curiosity explored, and every new trail blazed make our world a little different and a little better. In this issue, we celebrate our Centres of Innovation as they ignite the sparks of inspiration and innovation in our Humber community.

Innovation is the willingness to accept change, risk failure, nurture imagination and create value.

Welcome to another issue of SPARK!