Regional Innovation Chair
The Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development (RIC) was formally established on November 15, 2006 to conduct a program of research in rural economic development. The position is supported through an endowment established under the BC Leading Edge Endowment Fund, which included matching funding from non-government sources. George Penfold held the position of Regional Innovation Chair until his retirement in July 2011. Dr. Terri MacDonald assumed the role of Regional Innovation Chair in July 2011.
The work of the RIC is based on regional priorities and on partnerships with local and regional organizations and businesses. The Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre provides complementary expertise, access to data and state-of-the-art GIS and other research tools and skills.
Goals
Based on a foundation of applied research and outreach, the goals of the Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development are to:
- develop the capacity in the region for sound decision-making in matters related to economic development, through the provision of relevant research data and analysis, together with related skill and capacity development;
- assist in the diversification of the regional economy through the promotion of innovation and technology transfer in existing and new enterprises; and
- support provincial and national networks that undertake applied research on the revitalization of high amenity, highly rural communities and regions.
Outcomes
The work of the Regional Innovation Chair will aim to improve the economic climate of rural communities in the region by supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making. Expected outcomes include:
- a better understanding of the challenges faced by rural areas, leading to more effective policies, programs and regulations;
- greater capacity within regional and local organizations involved in economic development;
- better informed decisions by both public and private sector organizations;
- assist in development of strategic directions for investment and economic development within the region;
- move innovative, more effective and greater levels of public and private sector investment;
- diversification and innovation in telecommunications and the knowledge sectors;
- more employment or, at the very least, stabilizing existing employment levels and security of income; and
- greater economic diversity within both regional and local economies.
The Regional Innovation Chair also has the responsibility of leading the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute (RDI). Supported through a multi-year partnership between Selkirk College and the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) the RDI was announced at the Columbia Basin Symposium in October 2010. In 2008, CBT launched a State of the Basin Initiative, with the first Basin-wide indicator report and website. The work of the RDI will now bring together the responsibility for and assets of CBT's State of the Basin Initiative and Selkirk's Regional Innovation Chair to create a sustained resource for promoting and supporting informed planning, decision-making and citizen engagement in the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions.
Contact
Terri MacDonald, Ph.D.
Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development
Selkirk College
301 Frank Beinder Way
Castlegar, B.C., Canada V1N 3J1
Tel: 250.365.1434
Fax: 250.365.1260
Email
