Innovation North is a community of researchers at Ivey Business School that works with practitioners to tackle complex systems challenges. We are fuelled by the belief that we can create a future where businesses and society thrive together.
Innovation North has co-created an approach called the Compass to help tackle complex problems by generating novel, actionable ideas.
The Compass is made up a North Star, Near Star, and four spaces – Problem, Awareness, Ideas, and Actions. Much like a physical compass helps navigate unfamiliar terrain, the Compass is meant to help guide organizations through the increasing amount of complexity and disruptions they face.
The Lab
Over the past five years, Innovation North embarked on a journey to innovate the innovation process. At quarterly sessions, The Lab brought together the most experienced corporate innovators in Canada with several motivated management researchers to learn from world leaders in systems thinking. The following report recaps the 21 sessions that took place from its launch in October 2019 to the final session, which took place at the Art Gallery of Ontario on October 29, 2024.
The Studio
The 2025 Systems Innovation Challenge offered in partnership with BMO Academy is currently underway! This year’s Challenge focuses on mental health and wellness, particularly as it manifests in reduced well-being at work and within organizational settings. The 2025 Challenge is open to all post-secondary students across Canada, with 66 teams participating from coast to coast. This includes undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students at any university or college.
Launched in 2024, Innovation North’s Studio is 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 powered by Walmart Canada, where they tackled challenges such as the increasing amount of product returns and envisioning the future of retail spaces that meaningfully support community needs.
Projects
Innovation North regularly partners with business, non-profit, and government partners to tackle complex challenges. Some recent 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 Hannah Hill at hhill@ivey.ca.