FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON – (December 19, 2014) – LSO applauds the bold and innovative recommendations from the Ontario Health Innovation Council “Catalyst” Report. LSO notes the following recommendations from the Catalyst Report that will help drive the adoption of health technology innovation in Ontario:
- Recommendation 1 – Establish an Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist (OCHIS).
- Recommendation 2 – Appoint innovation brokers to connect innovators with resources.
- Recommendation 3 – Invest in made-in-Ontario Technologies through the creation of a four-year, $20-million Health Technology Innovation Evaluation Fund.
- Recommendation 4 – Accelerate the shift to strategic, value-based procurement
- Recommendation 5 – Create incentives and remove barriers to innovation.
- Recommendation 6 – Optimize the Pathways to Adoption and Diffusion of Innovation
“Life Sciences Ontario fully supports the recommendations made in this highly anticipated report,” said LSO President & CEO, Dr. Jason Field who was included in the consultation process by the OHIC council. “We are confident that when implemented, these recommendations will foster commercial success for life sciences companies in Ontario and contribute to the sustainability of our public healthcare system.”
LSO is especially pleased to note the proposed creation of the Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist (OCHIS) and the clear mandate and authority recommended by OHIC to implement the recommendations. The recommendations for supports for made-in-Ontario technologies and a shift to strategic, value-based procurement are fundamental to growing our life sciences sector in Ontario.
“The report represents a call to action that will be an important first step by the Province to develop a long-term commitment and strategy for growing Ontario’s life sciences industry,” concluded Dr. Jason Field. “We look forward to working with the new OCHIS to see this bold vision implemented.”
– 30 –
ABOUT LIFE SCIENCES ONTARIO (LSO)
Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) is a member-driven organization that represents more than 150 life science companies, service providers, academic and research institutes, partner organizations, individuals and students in Ontario. Together, our members represent more than 17,000 employees, researchers and students across the provinces life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with governments, academia, industry and other life science organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the diverse life sciences sector. We do this through advocacy, economic development, mentorship and professional development programs, educational and networking events and promotion of our industry locally, nationally and internationally. LSO is the Voice for Life Sciences in Ontario.
CONTACT
Life Sciences Ontario
1 Concorde Gate Suite 109
Toronto ON, M3C 3N6
416-426-7293
