Durham Region and UOIT build relationships in Europe
July 13, 2007
The mission focused on exploring the European market; identifying organizations, companies, universities and research institutes with complementary mandates; developing new international contacts and connections; and learning best practices in the area of renewable and sustainable energy generation. Delegates visited some of the most celebrated green communities in Copenhagen, Malmo, Linköping, Stockholm, Västerås and Amsterdam.
As members of the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA), the Region and UOIT continually work in partnership to help attract international companies to Durham and encourage them to invest in equipment and facilities, undertake research initiatives, create commercialization opportunities, and ultimately build a North American presence globally.
"Participants from Durham Region generated positive learning opportunities from the mission and established potential business partnerships to benefit regional development," stated Garry Cubitt, Chief Administrative Officer for the Region of Durham. Garry Cubitt is also a long-serving member of the UOIT Board of Governors and was Chair of the Board from 2003 to 2004.
UOIT utilized the mission to make connections with officials from the Canadian embassies and chambers of commerce in Denmark and Sweden, and the Swedish Ministry of the Environment. In addition, relationships with other academic-focused institutions were also developed, including Rockwool, a Danish fire-safe insulation company with a manufacturing facility in Milton, Ontario; Stockholm Science City, a university consortia-led organization comprised of several research institutes; the Swedish Industry Association, a global matchmaker for partners in sustainability; the Sustainable Business Hub, a member-based business consortium located in Malmo; and Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
"True to its mission, UOIT is committed to engaging itself in teaching and research activities that directly benefit the region," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, Associate Provost of Research at UOIT. "This mission provided UOIT with the opportunity to explore international collaborations in the area of sustainable energy. We visited some of the finest institutes in Europe, known for their innovative and forward thinking planning."
From a regional perspective, delegates identified companies potentially interested in investing in Durham Region; looked at municipal best practices in energy generation, sustainability and waste management; and, as members of the DSEA, connected with other like-minded organizations.
Other DSEA members that took part in the mission included Ontario Power Generation, Veridian Corporation, Siemens Canada, Intellimeter Canada Inc., DDACE-GE Jenbacher, the City of Pickering, and the Town of Ajax.
The trip was part of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance's (GTMA) business mission to attract foreign-direct investment to the GTA.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905-721-8668.
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM:
Tania Laverty - Corporate Communications Officer 905-668-7711 ext. 3813
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905-721-8668 ext. 2513
