Community leaders from across the region gathered this week to discuss how innovation and collaboration can help Niagara thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Brock University Provost and Vice-President, Academic Arja Vainio-Mattila kicked off the Niagara Economic Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 29 with an opening address emphasizing Brock’s role in the region’s economic growth.

Hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), the event explored forward-thinking strategies for economic growth, covering Niagara’s evolving manufacturing sector, the push for sustainable and efficient housing solutions, and the drive to strengthen global connections through enhanced transportation networks.

Vainio-Mattila highlighted Brock’s recent initiatives, including the launch of its new engineering department, a renewed partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission, and the $7-million Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production Field Infrastructure project.

She also pointed to upgraded community wellness facilities such as Brock’s Functional Inclusive Training Centre (Bfit) and the Brock-Niagara Centre of Excellence in Inclusive and Adaptive Physical Activity; industry partnerships with the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute and the Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute; and Brock’s role in securing the Asahi Kasei plant in Port Colborne, underscoring the University’s commitment to regional economic development.