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South Asian Studies Institute

BC Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Partnership Development

Please join us for a research encounter by Dr. Jon Thomas on Building an Innovation Ecosystem.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will transform existing industries and create new ones. How can universities, firms, governments and individuals be better prepared to benefit from this transformation?

To learn more, join Dr. Jon Thomas as he discusses the need to build an innovation ecosystem to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the Fraser Valley. 

THURS. NOV 20 2018 | 4pm

Abbotsford Campus | University House F124 

Dr. Jon Thomas named UFV's BC Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Partnership Development

Full picture for blog

Dr. Jon Thomas has been named the new BC Regional Innovation Chair in Canada-India Partnership Development at UFV. Working out of UFV’s South Asian Studies Institute, Thomas brings a wealth of international research experience to the position, which he plans on leveraging while fostering innovation and economic development throughout the Fraser Valley.

“Success in this position would include research outcomes, getting UFV students involved in applied research projects while building partnerships with leading Indian institutions, and encouraging student exchanges,” he says.  “India has a large entrepreneurial ecosystem and students visiting India will have an opportunity to observe the vibrant, rapid pace of change in one of the fastest growing economies in the world,”

Thomas holds a Ph.D. in technology management and strategy from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and has done post-doctoral research in Canada at Simon Fraser University. In addition to his chair role, he also joins the faculty at UFV’s School of Business. His research interests are in science and technology commercialization and innovation policy in the biotechnology, healthcare, and clean tech sectors. Read more ... 

BC Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Partnership Development

The BC Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Partnership Development helps businesses in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland region take advantage of the opportunities offered by the large Indian market.

The Chair, housed within the South Asian Studies Institute at UFV, provides local businesses with the expertise and research necessary for them to access the fast-growing Indian economy and other overseas markets.

The Chair was established in 2007. The Province of British Columbia (Leading Edge Endowment Fund) provided a $1.25 million contribution which was matched by contributions from hundreds of supporters from the community to bring the total endowment to the Chair to $2.5 million.

Click to view a list of student research assistants and their projects undertaken

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