Who we are

Innovate BC is in business to serve and celebrate innovation in British Columbia.

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About

Who we are

A Crown AgencyA crown agency is a state-owned enterprise in the Canadian province of British Columbia. This includes any board, commission, railway, public utility, university, manufactory, company or agency which is owned, controlled or operated by the Queen in Right of B.C. or the Government of B.C., or under the authority of the Legislature or the Lieutenant Governor in Council., we represent the government of British Columbia and the people who make up our innovation ecosystemAn interconnected network of support, infrastructure, facilitators and peers in which innovators can thrive and interact. in every corner of our province. We are proud of the role the B.C. government plays in funding, supporting and building connections for innovators.

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Leadership Team

Ministry Responsible

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness manages government services that help support and maintain the strong and diverse economy that British Columbians need for long-term prosperity. It’s the ministry’s mandate to grow B.C.’s technologyScience or knowledge put into practical use to solve problems or invent useful tools. sector, champion innovationA new method, idea or product., nurture small businesses, support economic development throughout the province, and promote B.C. internationally as a preferred place to invest and do business. Innovate BC’s work supports the Ministry in achieving its mandate.

Governance & Board

The Lieutenant Governor, through Order-in-Council, appoints the members of Innovate BC’s Board and delegates the role of the Chair. The Board Chair reports to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly through the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness. The Board of Directors has fifteen members.

The Board:

sets the strategic direction and approves appropriate plans from management;
recruits, empowers and monitors Innovate BC’s management;
shepherds and safeguards Innovate BC resources, approving major financial decisions, ensuring internal controls are in place and addressing areas of risk; and
measures corporate performance, reporting regularly to stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards.

Innovate BC’s Board of Directors do not receive any remuneration for their services to the Board.

Board Committees:

Audit and Finance

Helps the Board fulfill its obligations and oversight responsibilities relating to the audit process, financial reporting, corporate control systems and risk management. When required, it makes recommendations to the full Board for approval.

Governance and Board Nomination

Reviews Board policies and practices, ensuring Innovate BC fulfills its legislated mandate and implements effective due diligence over Innovate BC’s governance.

Human Resources and Compensation

Fulfils the Board’s responsibilities with respect to Innovate BC’s staff policies and practices.

Governance Principles:

Innovate BC’s Board has adopted the guiding principles outlined in the Province of British Columbia’s Governance Framework for Crown Corporations in establishing a framework from which to operate. These principles include:

stewardship, leadership and effective functioning of the Board; and
performance and value, innovationA new method, idea or product. and continuous improvement.