MEDIA ADVISORY – OCTOBER 15, 2025 – R0120 

As one of Ontario’s Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), Innovate Niagara gives a “big boost” to entrepreneurs bringing their innovations to market, says Charles Conteh.

But navigating the jurisdictional dynamics of Niagara’s two-tier system can complicate Innovate Niagara’s efforts, says the Brock University Professor of Political Science.

Conteh, also the Director of Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory, will explore this theme on Wednesday, Oct 22 at noon in a presentation and panel discussion with industry and government partners.

Conteh’s talk reflects part of his book, Mediating Innovation Policy Delivery: The Regional Innovation Centres of Ontario, published earlier this year.

“The chapter on Niagara highlights how Innovate Niagara engages within the broader ecosystem of stakeholders in the region, including new and growing businesses, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, regional and local economic development offices and other actors,” Conteh says.

Media are invited to attend the event.

What: “Innovate Niagara: Navigating the Jurisdictional Fissures of a Two-Tier Region” presentation with panel discussion to follow.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, noon to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Room 214-215, Rankin Family Pavilion, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines

Who: Presentation by Charles Conteh, Niagara Community Observatory Director, and panel discussion with N’ora Kalb, CEO, Innovate Niagara; Blake Landry, Manager, Economic Research and Analysis at Niagara Economic Development; and Marika Swain, Senior Business Advisory — Niagara, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

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