Open house showcases benefits of university-private sector partnerships

Carleton University hosts national launch with celebration of student entrepreneurship

Local and national business leaders, government representatives, university officials and students gathered at Carleton University today to help launch the fourth annual national university open house. Open Doors, Open Knowledge – Big ideas for better business highlights the role of university and private sector partnerships in driving prosperity and innovation, creating jobs and preparing students for rewarding careers.

Over the coming weeks, universities across Canada will open their doors to their communities and partners to showcase the many ways they collaborate with small- and medium-sized businesses, helping companies grow and succeed. These partnerships also equip students to achieve their potential and build a better Canada.

The launch event was co-hosted by Paul Davidson, president and CEO of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and Roseann O’Reilly Runte, president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University. Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Kellie Leitch, delivered an address. A panel of Carleton’s top student and graduate entrepreneurs discussed the impacts of Carleton University’s entrepreneurship programs on the community, economy and students’ futures.

Open Doors, Open Knowledge, Big ideas for better business runs from November 8 to 16 at campuses from coast to coast. More than 40 universities are organizing events including panel discussions, student showcases and innovation open houses.

Quotes

“From start-up incubators that launch students’ inventions, to programs that help them create new companies, universities across Canada cultivate student entrepreneurs. Students are not only building careers for themselves; their innovative ideas are creating jobs in the industries and services of tomorrow.”

Paul Davidson, president and CEO of AUCC

“Co-ops and internships give students the work experience and skills to help them in the transition from classroom to the labour market. Employers also benefit. Co-op and internship students contribute new ideas to companies and organizations, they are assets to the companies where they are placed and bring workplace skills as future workers.”

Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of CCC

“Across the country, universities are connecting with their business communities to make local economies stronger. The Open Doors, Open Knowledge event is a chance to expand those connections between universities and the private sector, and to focus on small business.”

Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of CCC

Facts

• Forty-five universities across Canada have developed entrepreneurship degree programs, and provide workshops, facilities, mentoring and other supports to students to help them take product and service ideas to market.
• Currently, there are more than 1,000 co-op programs at 59 Canadian universities.
• Fifty percent of all undergraduate students at Canadian universities will complete a co-op, internship or service learning experience before they graduate.

Interview opportunities:

AUCC president, Paul Davidson and other participants are available for media interviews.