Innovation North is a research-practice initiative based at Ivey Business School dedicated to tackling complex organizational and societal challenges using systems thinking.
Our work is guided by the Compass, a tool co-created with our community of practice. With this tool, we offer a structured framework that empowers organizations to navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions, and implement innovative actions that lead to sustainable success.
The Lab
Over the period of 2019 to 2024, Innovation North assembled 30 corporate partners and 15 researchers in a Lab to develop a tool that would integrate systems thinking into corporate innovation processes, which is reflected in the Compass.
At quarterly sessions, Canadian corporate innovators and management researchers gathered to learn from world leaders in systems thinking. Read our report below recapping the Lab's 21 sessions that took place from October 2019 to October 2024.
The Studio
The 2025 Systems Innovation Challenge offered in partnership with BMO Academy was a success! This year’s Challenge focused on mental health and wellness in the workplace. The 2025 Challenge brought together 275 students from 26 universities and colleges across Canada.
Innovation North’s Studio was launched in 2024 with the goal of developing the capacity of future leaders to tackle complex problems using systems thinking. More than 185 students across Ontario participated in the 2024 Systems Innovation Challenge sponsored by Walmart, tackling challenges such as increasing product returns and innovating retail spaces to meaningfully support community needs.
Projects
Innovation North partners with organizations to tackle complex challenges. Examples of our projects include:
- Developing a strategic framework for a circular built environment in Canada with CSA Group
- Uncovering opportunities for farmers to improve soil health and protect livestock with the University of Guelph
- Embedding circular building practices in home insurance claims with Co-operators
- Developing an innovative financial instrument to tackle the biodiversity crisis with Cboe Canada
Connect with Innovation North
To learn more about Innovation North or to explore partnership opportunities, contact Melanie Issett at missett@ivey.ca.