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Innovative Ivey research paves a roadmap to recovery for Canadian manufacturing

Oct 15, 2014

LONDON, ON – October 15th, 2014 – The Ivey Business School’s Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management (Lawrence Centre) is proposing three practical actions required to drive the revitalization of Canadian manufacturing.  

  • Develop expertise aimed at breaking into foreign markets by seeking out seasoned business executives as mentors
  • Form partnerships with local educational institutions to bring the shop floor to the lab and the classroom and develop the next generation of skilled workers
  • Improve collaboration between all levels of government to successfully attract and implement foreign investment in manufacturing

These recommendations are result of an innovative and ground-breaking study now released called The Future of Canadian Manufacturing: Learning from Leading Firms. The study, representing Phase 1 of this project, is founded on detailed case studies of nine Canadian manufacturers from three sectors including auto parts, agri-food and diversified manufacturing.

“Canadian manufacturing is recovering slowly in the wake of the most recent recession,” says Paul Boothe, Director of the Lawrence Centre at the Ivey Business School. “However, Canada is home to a number of world leading firms. Our study found these firms had many features in common which can serve as models for competitive success.”

Follow up on Phase 1 of The Future of Canadian Manufacturing project will see Ivey and the Lawrence Centre working to implement the three recommendations outlined in the study.  With funding assistance from the government of Ontario, the Trillium Advanced Manufacturing Network will bring together business, educational institutions and governments to help more Ontario firms become successful in international markets by facilitating business mentorships, encouraging greater use educational partnerships and improving governments’ collaboration on investment attraction.

For media interviews please contact:

Ivan Langrish, Senior Manager, Media Strategy
Ivey Business School
416-203-0664
ilangrish@ivey.ca

About the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management

The Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management bridges business strategy and government policy to contribute to Canada’s global competitiveness. The Centre educates future business leaders in public policy and government leaders in business strategy and conducts leading-edge research on major issues that involve business-government collaboration.

About the Ivey Business School, Western University

The Ivey Business School at Western University is Canada’s leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today’s complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Education at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.