Health innovation network launched in Windsor

WINDSOR, Ont. – The Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor is pleased to announce the launch of the Odette World Health Innovation Network (WIN). Led by health thought leader Dr. Anne Snowdon (pictured), WIN will be among the first Canadian health innovation centres with formal ties to the U.S., building collaborative partnerships between the two countries to advance health system innovation.

WIN will work with health and life sciences companies to support the successful commercialization of products resulting in economic growth and tangible healthcare benefits for all Canadians.

Dr. Snowdon brings a wealth of experience to the Network, including most recently her role as academic Chair of the International Centre for Health Innovation, where she created a national program of health innovation research involving seven provinces and territories.

Her work engages numerous partners from industry, government and the health sector to accelerate health system innovation adoption and scalability, contributing to both economic growth and sustainability.

Dr. Snowdon has published more than 100 research articles, papers and cases and has received over $15 million in research funding to support this work. She is also a leader in injury prevention research and innovation, which led to the commercialization of safety seat devices to keep children safe while traveling in vehicles.

“I am delighted and honoured to launch the new World Health Innovation Network, based at the Odette School of Business, which will build a network of collaborators across Canada and the US and be a catalyst for accelerating innovation in health systems that drive economic value, particularly for Canadian companies in the health sector,” said Dr. Snowdon.

“This network of collaboration will mobilize industry, government, academia, and health organizations to support the adoption of innovative technologies, services, and health system processes that will achieve health system sustainability, contribute to the health of the populations health systems serve, and provide support for innovators and entrepreneurs to successfully bring their discoveries to the Canadian and world markets.

“I look forward to leading this important cross-border work through our extensive network of strategic partnerships in Canada, the U.S. and globally.”

WIN’s main areas of focus include supporting world-leading research affecting the health sector and helping to ensure that Canadian innovations and discoveries have access to the key enablers necessary for successful development and commercialization of products and technologies in Canada, the U.S. and globally.

The network will build capacity for leading innovation in health systems through specialized training and education for entrepreneurs and emerging leaders which will contribute to the development of a highly-skilled workforce to act as catalysts for the creation and distribution of health innovation.

Dr. Alan Wildeman, president of the University of Windsor, commented: “In line with the University’s mission, this is an exciting opportunity for the University, the Odette School, and the regional community, enabling us to grow and strengthen our local economy. Under Dr. Snowdon’s leadership, WIN will deliver important achievements in the areas of education, scholarship, research and engagement.”

Dr. Allan Conway, Dean of the Odette School of Business, elaborated, “Our proximity and pre-existing relationship with partners from the U.S. will support the success of cross-border collaboration and provide access to the world markets for Canadian researchers, innovators, academics and entrepreneurs. We are delighted to have Dr. Anne Snowdon join us at the Odette School of Business and we are thrilled to support the development of WIN.”

Dr. Snowdon will also be joining the faculty at the Odette School of Business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Western Ontario, a Master of Science from McGill University and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Michigan. Dr. Snowdon is also a Fulbright Scholar and was awarded the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Fellowship for her doctoral research.

Dr. Snowdon joined the University of Windsor in July and plans are under way for the official launch of WIN in fall 2015.