Building New Leaders: Developing the Health Science Workforce of Tomorrow
Based on a survey of industry leaders, supervisors and early-career talent who have been part of OBIO’s Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) program, the report describes how H2BB™ has addressed the health science industry’s need for job ready talent.
OBIO is proud to announce the launch of Building New Leaders: Developing the Health Science Workforce of Tomorrow.
Based on a survey of industry leaders, supervisors and early-career talent who have been part of OBIO’s Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) program, the report describes how H2BB™ has addressed the health science industry’s need for job ready talent.
Download the Building New Leaders white paper below or continue reading for a summary of the key findings.
To learn more about OBIO’s H2BB program, click here.
Key Findings
OBIO’s Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) program prepares early career professionals for the health science workforce through industry specific training, providing companies with access to the talent they need to scale and grow.
100% of industry leaders were satisfied with H2BB™ participants’ job performance. Industry leaders will continue to partner with OBIO through H2BB to recruit and train their early career professionals.
92% OF PARTICIPANTS FIND THEIR MENTOR USEFUL OR SOMEWHAT USEFUL.
H2BB™ is unique in Ontario and possibly Canada because it is the only health science industry focused program that incorporates skills training, mentorship and instructor led training.
83% OF PARTICIPANTS AGREE H2BB HAS MADE THEM MORE VALUABLE TO EMPLOYERS.
“I feel that my participation in H2BB has given me a greater sense of the industry expectations and practices, which will help advance my career in the health science industry."
– H2BB program participant
“The end to end understanding of drug/medical device lifeline has helped me in realizing what is expected of me, and thereby I can contribute more effectively."
– H2BB program participant
Employers agree that H2BB continues to address an unmet need for the development of early career talent that companies cannot resolve without support.
“There is a wealth of talented individuals that are on the hunt for work that could be able to contribute in great ways. But the learning curve is too steep and sometimes it isn't really attractive for a company to spend that time doing that degree of onboarding for them.”
– Industry leader
"I think one of the things that OBIO is doing well in H2BB is some of the project management related talks that are really valuable for any young professional and that's regardless of whether they leave academia or not."
– Industry supervisor
There are a lot more issues that arise working in a company than in a research lab. And I think H2BB has been wonderful for teaching them.
– Industry leader
MORE THAN 65% OF PAST H2BB PARTICIPANTS SECURED EMPLOYMENT IN THE HEALTH SCIENCE INDUSTRY.
A possible solution to hiring challenges is recruiting experienced professionals from other industries that may be contracting or down sizing, particularly in the current economic climate.
76% OF INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE EITHER HIRED OR INTEND TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL FROM ANOTHER INDUSTRY.
"A lot of early career professionals pivot into the space from a variety of other industries. I think a primer on the industry is a really good way to accomplish this.”
– Industry leader
Looking to the future, there is considerable opportunity for OBIO to build on the success of H2BB to maximize talent development in the industry.
Leading the Pack: Accelerating the Success of the Canadian Health Science Industry
The report is based on a comprehensive industry consultation with leaders from coast-to-coast, who provided their feedback on their experiences in 2020 and recommendations for how Canada’s health science industry can become a global leader in the bioeconomy.
OBIO announced the release of ‘Leading the Pack: Accelerating the Success of the Canadian Health Science Industry.’
The report is based on a comprehensive industry consultation with company executives and leaders from coast-to-coast, who provided their feedback on their experiences in 2020 and recommendations for how Canada’s health science industry can become a global leader in the bioeconomy.
Beyond the enormous disruption caused by the global pandemic, the health science industry has the opportunity to become a pillar of the economy in the long term and it has the potential to create value by addressing all aspects of human health.
Today, the sector contributes only 0.45% to Canada’s total GDP, which is about ten-fold smaller than the contribution of the U.S. industry to its national GDP. There is considerable opportunity for Canada to take a bigger slice of the global bioscience market and for the domestic health science industry to increase its contribution to the Canadian economy.
To accomplish this, capital attraction and driving adoption are the two clear priorities for action articulated by survey and interview respondents. If the twin challenges of capital attraction and driving adoption are addressed, Canada has the potential to become a global leader of innovation and production in healthcare.
Watch the ‘Leading the Pack’ Report Launch Event
On Oct 29th, OBIO launched ‘Leading the Pack: Accelerating the Success of the Canadian Health Science Industry’ at an online event featuring industry leaders providing their insight and experience.
Thank you to Jeremy Bridge-Cook, CEO, Rna Diagnostics; Joe Eibl, CEO, Flosonics Medical; Scott Phillips, Founder and CEO, Starfish Medical; and David Young, Co-founder and CEO, KisoJi Biotechnology.
Bridging the Talent Gap: Reporting on Year 2
Bridging the Talent Gap: Reporting on Year 2 describes the results of the first seven cohorts of early career talent that has completed the program.
Building on the ongoing success of OBIO’s Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) program, this report reflects on the success of H2BB in pulling top talent into Ontario’s health science industry to close the talent gape identified by 96% of Ontario’s health science company CEOs.
In 2017, OBIO released Bridging the Talent Gap which was based on consultations with participants in the then-recently launched H2BB early career talent development program.
H2BB was conceived and designed in response to the health science industry need for business talent to take companies through successful commercialization. The program partners with academic institutions to provide critical exposure to the health science industry as well as workplace learning and experience that augment fact and theory delivered in the classroom. H2BB was originally intended for students and recent graduates with STEM undergraduate training and post-graduate training in business.
Bridging the Talent Gap: Reporting on Year 2 describes the results of the first seven cohorts of early career talent that has completed the program.
Overall, in just two short years, H2BB has seen impressive growth and success. Over 100 students and recent graduates have pursued the program and both companies and academic institutions continue to sign on. These numbers demonstrate how the program is addressing a gap in learning and a need in industry. Most significant however are the number of eligible students who have found jobs and begun building their careers. H2BB has created awareness of the industry, attracted some of the best and brightest, and established new openings for employment.
To read a PDF of ‘Bridging the Talent Gap: Reporting on Year 2’, please click here.
Achieving Impact Through Adoption of Innovative Health Technologies: Establishing Early Adopter Health Organizations as an Accelerator for Economic Growth in Ontario
OBIO’s 2019 report describes an early adopter model to facilitate the evaluation and adoption of innovative health technologies in Ontario health organizations.
TORONTO -- The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) today released its latest report, ‘Achieving Impact Through Adoption of Innovative Health Technologies: Establishing Early Adopter Health Organizations as an Accelerator for Economic Growth in Ontario’, which describes an early adopter model to facilitate the evaluation and adoption of innovative health technologies in Ontario health organizations.
The report is the result of a series of consultations with executive-level stakeholders from Ontario health organizations and industry, as well as representatives from government and other affiliate organizations.
Following a key recommendation in OBIO’s report, ‘Tackling the Anchor Company Challenge – OBIO Leadership Summit (2017),’ which highlighted the need for early adopter organizations in Ontario, the report provides a robust model for establishing, governing and supporting these organizations to best engage with innovators.
The report was launched at the Conference Board of Canada Council on Innovation Procurement in Health Care meeting. OBIO CEO, Gail Garland, was joined by Arden Krystal, President and CEO of the Southlake Regional Health Centre, Jo-anne Marr, President & CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital and Stefano Picone, Director of Finance of Conavi Medical.
“Today, it is clearer than ever that a model to support the early adoption of novel technologies is crucial if our health science industry is going to continue to commercialize life-saving products, create jobs and attract investment in Ontario. We are pleased to present the EAHN model as a way to achieve these benefits.”
Overview of the Report:
A network of early adopter health organizations (EAHNs) can facilitate the evaluation of and access to promising health science innovations that could benefit human health and wellbeing through their use in the Ontario healthcare system.
The report presents a governance model for a collaborative ecosystem wherein industry and health organization end-users can work together to develop, test, refine, adopt, and deploy novel technologies for the health sector.
Engagement with an EAHN will allow our growing health sciences industry to continue to innovate and assess the local market before they expand their sales to a larger global market. Investments in Ontario companies will become more attractive due to strong ties with the local market and foreign companies will be attracted to the favourable environment for innovation adoption in Ontario.
To read a PDF of ‘Achieving Impact Through Adoption of Innovative Health Technologies: Establishing Early Adopter Health Organizations as an Accelerator for Economic Growth in Ontario’, please click here.
To read the press release, click here.
Realizing the Promise of Healthcare Innovation in Ontario
OBIO’s report, Realizing the Promise of Health Care Innovation: Increasing Value for the Patient, Health System and Economy, was published in 2013 and is a product of the Ontario Bioscience Economic Strategy Team (OBEST®), an initiative launched by OBIO to address the challenges faced by Ontario’s human health technology and bioscience industry.
The OBIO® Innovation Adoption Initiative is a product of the Ontario Bioscience Economic Strategy Team (OBEST®), an initiative launched by OBIO to address the challenges faced by Ontario’s human health technology and bioscience industry. Its goal is to recommend policy avenues that catalyze commercialization for the therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and health information technology (Health IT) sectors while strengthening the province’s capacity to deliver cost-effective care for patients and caregivers as intelligently and innovatively as practicable.
Use It or Lose It: Industry Solutions to Ontario's Commercialization Gap 2018
OBIO’s 2018 Industry Consultation reports five recommendations from health science company executives on how to create the conditions for the growth of Ontario’s health science industry.
May 03, 2018 -- OBIO® released its latest report, ‘Use It or Lose It: Industry Solutions to Ontario’s Commercialization Gap’, with recommendations from health science company executives on how to create the conditions for the growth of Ontario’s health science industry.
This report is the result of a survey of 135 Ontario health science industry executives, looking at the growth of Ontario’s health science sector and the opportunities for future development. The report makes five recommendations to ensure Canadians derive the benefits that accrue from a successful health science economy: regional prosperity, knowledge economy jobs, increased patient satisfaction, and improved health outcomes.
“Last fall, Ontario’s health science industry CEOs shared their ideas and their concerns with OBIO to give us an understanding of what is needed for Ontario’s health science industry to flourish. We are pleased to share this report’s recommendations. In addition to recommendations that allow companies to extend their runway and generate cash flow, this year industry emphasized the importance of go-to-market issues like access to local hospitals and health service providers, and the development of infrastructure to facilitate access to the local market for the purpose of clinical trials or pilot projects to generate evidence and refine technology.”
Overview of the Report:
Ontario’s health science industry is starting to grow and mature with over half of companies in the preclinical or clinical stage of development, and one in five with their most advanced project generating sales or expanding their markets.
But companies continue to face barriers to scaling up in Ontario which fall across four main themes: financial, infrastructure, ecosystem and talent.
Industry had five recommendations which include improved access to capital, globally competitive tax policies, consolidated funding programs, and most importantly stronger local infrastructure and access to local markets, including a system of early adopter health care providers with expertise in piloting, adopting and championing new technologies.
“To build health science anchor companies in Ontario, access to markets is becoming an increasingly important factor for Ontario companies. For Ontario health science companies to stay here and grow here, this report’s recommendations indicate the need to create the conditions for the development of anchor companies.”
To read a PDF of ‘Use it or Lose it: Industry Solutions to Ontario’s Commercialization Gap’, please click here.
To read the press release, click here.
Bridging the Talent Gap: Report on OBIO® Health to Business Bridge™ (H2BB™) 2017
Bridging the Talent Gap reports on the unique value of OBIO’s Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) business internship program. This report describes how H2BB™ addresses the challenge of pulling top talent into Ontario’s health science industry to address the talent gap identified by 96% of Ontario’s health science company CEOs.
Bridging the Talent Gap reports on the unique value of OBIO’s Health to Business Bridge (H2BB™) business internship program. This report describes how H2BB™ addresses the challenge of pulling top talent into Ontario’s health science industry to address the talent gap identified by 96% of Ontario’s health science company CEOs.
Click here for a PDF of the full report
Tackling the Anchor Company Challenge: OBIO® Leadership Summit Report 2017
The “Tackling the Anchor Company Challenge Summit”, assembled industry, academic, government and investment leaders committed to working together to create a mandate of action for anchoring health science companies in Ontario.
The “Tackling the Anchor Company Challenge Summit”, assembled industry, academic, government and investment leaders committed to working together to create a mandate of action for anchoring health science companies in Ontario.
Tax Incentives for Growing Health Science Companies 2017
In 2017, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization convened a working group (‘OBIO Tax Policy Working Group’, OTPWG) of health science industry leaders and tax experts from academia and the private sector to examine Canada’s tax incentives and their effectiveness in stimulating growth in the health science industry.
In 2017, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization convened a working group (‘OBIO Tax Policy Working Group’, OTPWG) of health science industry leaders and tax experts from academia and the private sector to examine Canada’s tax incentives and their effectiveness in stimulating growth in the health science industry.
Ontario's First Chief Science Officer
OBIO has provided feedback to the Ministry of Research Innovation and Science on the the Province's request to recruit Ontario's First Chief Science Officer.
OBIO has provided feedback to the Ministry of Research Innovation and Science on the the Province's request to recruit Ontario's First Chief Science Officer. The submission will be used to develop the mandate for the Chief Science Officer.
To read the Submission Click HERE
Beyond Novelty: Adopting & Diffusing Innovation in the Supply Chain
"The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) strongly believes that the supply chain of the future must incorporate a formal approach to creating pathways for the adoption and procurement of innovation, to benefit the people of Ontario from both a health and economic perspective."
“The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) strongly believes that the supply chain of the future must incorporate a formal approach to creating pathways for the adoption and procurement of innovation, to benefit the people of Ontario from both a health and economic perspective.”
Read our full submission to the Ministry of Government & Consumer Services' Healthcare Sector Supply Chain Strategy expert panel here.
Health Science Insider™ (OBIO Strategic Review: July 2016)
2016 has already been a productive year for OBIO as we push forward on our advocacy efforts, expand our Health Science networks and partnerships and continue to provide access to capital for Ontario Health Science companies in order for them to reach the next level.
Gail Garland, CEO
OBIO
For the full strategic review, click here
2016 has already been a productive year for OBIO as we push forward in our advocacy efforts, expand our Health Science networks and partnerships and continue to provide access to capital for Ontario Health Science companies in order for them to reach the next level.
Our bi-annual review aims to summarize OBIO's accomplishments over the past 6 months. We use these pages to present our Health Science Industry Events, our Government Advocacy work at all levels of government, the OBIO Team, the OBIO CAAP Community and to keep you informed of substantial up-coming events.
At OBIO we are committed to building companies, building the industry and an environment where businesses can thrive. Every meeting, every event and every publication is strategically thought through to meet our vision and fulfill our mission.
Thank you all for being part of the OBIO Community!
Sincerely,
Gail Garland
President & CEO
For the full strategic review, click here
How Canada Should be Engaging in a $9 Trillion Dollar Health Economy
There are compelling reasons for a strong, Canadian healthcare industry. Canada has opportunities but there are barriers to success. This report presents industry’s solutions.
There are compelling reasons for a strong, Canadian healthcare industry:
•$9 Trillion Global Health Economy
•Revenues and exports from commercialized research outputs
•Diversification of Canada’s economy,
•Quality jobs for our highly educated workforce
•Improved patient care and outcomes
•Manage rising healthcare costs
Canada has opportunities but there are barriers to success.
This report presents industry’s solutions.
How Canada Should be Engaging in a $9 Trillion Dollar Health Economy
Download Full Report (PDF) Highlights Press Release
OBIO Strategic Review: December 2015
An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.
Jack Welch
As we come to the end of 2015, OBIO is proud of a year that has been characterized by recognition and support from our partners and sponsors, new learnings from the extensive feedback we received during our industry consultations and a very busy schedule as we delivered on programming and advocacy work.
Click here to read the article online
OBIO® Strategic Review: August 2015
They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
Andy Warhol
2015 has been a year of growth and opportunity for OBIO with expanding networks and new partnerships. Since we released our five year strategic review in January 2015, there have been significant developments both within our walls and across the ecosystem.