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As healthcare organizations face increasing financial pressures, partnerships with the government are becoming essential for advancing innovation. Raphael Ronen,<\/strong> Director of Business Development at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, shared how Sunnybrook helped build INOVAIT, Canada\u2019s image-guided therapy and artificial intelligence network, into a nationally recognized innovation ecosystem backed by federal funding.<\/p>\n Launched in 2020 with $49 million in federal support, INOVAIT now includes more than 130 industry and academic partners and has funded over 100 research and development projects across Canada.<\/p>\n According to Ronen, successful government partnerships require organizations to clearly demonstrate how innovation initiatives benefit the broader Canadian economy and healthcare system.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re going to get government on board, it has to be good for Canada,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That means focusing on measurable outcomes such as job creation, commercialization, clinical trials, patents, and patient impact.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ronen explained that while Canada has strong healthcare institutions and research talent, innovation efforts are often fragmented. INOVAIT addressed this by bringing together hospitals, universities, companies, and investors into one collaborative network.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you approach with a consortium speaking as one voice, you\u2019re seen as an ecosystem, not just a private interest group,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Sunnybrook initially launched the network with 18 companies and two institutions before expanding nationally. Ronen emphasized that collaboration succeeds when every partner benefits.<\/p>\n \u201cWe never ask someone to contribute for the greater good alone,\u201d he noted. \u201cThere has to be something in it for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This collaborative approach helped build credibility with both government and industry stakeholders while encouraging organizations across Canada to participate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A major focus of the session was the importance of measurable results. Ronen explained that each phase of government funding was secured because previous investments demonstrated a clear impact.<\/p>\n \u201cWe weren\u2019t asking the government to believe us with no data,\u201d he said. \u201cWe were asking them to continue supporting something that had already shown value.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Key outcomes included clinical trials, regulatory approvals, patents, commercialized technologies, and revenue growth for Canadian companies.<\/p>\n Ronen encouraged healthcare organizations to align innovation initiatives with government priorities rather than chasing funding opportunities that do not fit their long-term strategy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While healthcare innovation often focuses on technology, Ronen argued that administration is frequently the biggest barrier to success.<\/p>\n \u201cThe thing most likely to sink your activity is administration,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n To reduce friction, INOVAIT built a dedicated administrative team responsible for legal agreements, financial reporting, and partner support. Standardized processes and proactive communication helped organizations participate more efficiently while strengthening trust with government funders.<\/p>\n Ronen also stressed the importance of treating the government as a true partner.<\/p>\n \u201cThe government wants you to succeed,\u201d he explained. \u201cMake their lives easier.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ronen closed by encouraging healthcare organizations to think beyond individual institutions and focus on building collaborative ecosystems that create long-term value.<\/p>\n \u201cCanada is small,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are stronger when we work together.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.8em” ul_font_size=”16px” ul_line_height=”1.8em” quote_font=”Amethysta||||||||” header_text_color=”#2C7DB4″ header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_line_height=”1.8em” header_4_font=”|600|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]\n
Building Collaborative Ecosystems<\/h1>\n
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Turning Outcomes Into Momentum<\/h1>\n
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Reducing Administrative Burden<\/h1>\n
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Final Takeaway<\/h1>\n
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