OCE regroups with new president and enhanced commercialization mandate

The revamped Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) program is preparing to leverage a new centralized structure to strengthen its role in commercializing knowledge and inventions as the province gets ready to unveil an ambitious new commercialization strategy. Under the direction of new president and CEO Mark Romoff, OCE Inc is working to raise its profile with key stakeholders, clients and the public at large.

Romoff takes the helm after a protracted and often acrimonious transition from four independently operated centres to an organization with a single chief executive and board of directors. Two of the former OCE presidents — Dr Steve Moran (CRESTech) and Dr Darin Graham (Communications and Information Technology Ontario) — left the OCE during the transition.

Romoff comes to the organization after a stint as executive director of Industry Canada’s Ontario Region where he was engaged in the federal innovation agenda and built up a strong networks of contacts and partnerships throughout the province and across the country. He asserts that it’s time to gear up and enter a new phase.

“The commercialization agenda is a high priority for Ontario and OCE is one of the strongest arrows in their quiver,” says Romoff. “I’ve lived through mergers and changes and they are always unsettling for individuals. I’ve met with the executive teams and I’m imposing on people to help me set the direction for the future.”

Within the OCE, that means finding ways to use the new consolidated structure to share best practices, encourage centralized relationships and maximize benefits arising from new interfaces.

OCE Inc will also expand outward, seeking greater linkages with universities and other research organizations such as the National Research Council and the granting agencies. Romoff will also work quickly to fill key vacancies and provide strong leadership at every level of the organization.

“There’s lots of enthusiasm. We have a new board in place, a new downtown office, a clear mandate and we’ve got our budget. Let’s go,” he says. “”The focus is very much on running the centres and delivering programs but with stronger marketing and outreach. ... When it comes to the commercialization agenda and R&D support for it, OCE is an important piece of the puzzle. It complements us and our new direction.”

R$