Network Analysis of the Ontario Technology StartUp Innovation Ecosystem

The purpose of this research project is to explore, in more detail, the technology innovation ecosystem in Ontario with particular focus on mapping the network of existing relationships between start-ups, investors and supporting networks (i.e., incubators, innovation clusters and accelorators such as MaRs Innovation, MaRs Discovery District and various associations which include those servicing angel and venture capital investors locally and nationally). The focus of the research will be to deepen our understanding of the connections among the elements of the ecosystem and the strength (or absence of) network ties.

1. Who are the players in the innovation ecosystem?

2. What is their role?

3. How are they inter-related?

4. What factors influence these relationships? (e.g., geographic, business activity, reputation, concentrations of connections, etc?)

5. Where in the overall innovation network are there areas of relatively low connectivity (i.e., Structural Holes, Burt, 1995) where interventions could be designed and applied to increase venture capital access and productivity?

Faculty Supervisor:

Wendy Cukier

Student:

Partner:

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Finance and Insurance

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Accelerate