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Network Managers and Centre Directors Plenary Secretariat Update and Q&A. NCE Annual General Meeting December 5, 2011. A suite of programs. 14 Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE Networks) Research-driven partnerships; longer-term goals Two 7-year terms (1989-2008)
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Network Managers and Centre Directors PlenarySecretariat Update and Q&A NCE Annual General Meeting December 5, 2011
A suite of programs • 14 Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE Networks) • Research-driven partnerships; longer-term goals • Two 7-year terms (1989-2008) • Three 5-year terms (as of 2008) - complete funding for research, admin, KTEE 3 NCE-Knowledge Mobilization Networks • Networking and knowledge mobilization • One four-year cycle with possibility of renewing for three years • 22 Centres of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) • Public-private research & commercialization partnerships • 5-year matching fund program for operating & commercialization (CECR contributes 50% - 75%) • 4 Business led Networks (BL-NCE) • Private sector problem-driven research partnerships • 4-year matching fund program for research, networking and admin (BL-NCE contributes 50% - 75%) • Industrial R&D Internships (IRDI) • R&D terms for graduate students & PDFs in industry setting • Cost shared @ 50%
Current NCE Division of Labour • Stéphanie Michaud – NCE and BL-NCE programs • Senior Program Managers: Kim Douglas and Fouad Elgindy • Lisa Drouillard, CECR and IRDI programs • Senior Program Managers: Chantal Abou-Debs; Danielle Arsenault and Brigit Viens • Matrix management system
Overview • Insights from this year in reporting • Program definitions • Planning for improved exchange of information • Update on NCE program and Secretariat Activities
Different Reporting Processes • NCE – Differences in reports and review processes for 7-year and 5 year networks • CECR – Feedback on Annual Reports from secretariat and PSAB • BL-NCE – Feedback from PSAB on last reports
Key Insights on Reporting • The narrative is as important as the numbers • Clear explanation of major achievements key to demonstrating impact of the programs • Many reporting elements used to gauge compliance with funding agreements (e.g. CECR and BL-NCE matching) • Some SOA categories not well understood (e.g. revenue from other sources) • Any new measure needs to come with very clear definitions (e.g. impact on firms) • Reporting definitions should be consistent across programs • Reporting elements have evolved with the programs.
Engagement of Secretariat • Greater review and Q&A of Annual Report data before submission to Secretariat • SPMs will engage with Networks and Centres before reports are approved by Board • SPMs will be present for Board approval • Program staff should be engaged early to assist with any questions about using templates
Improving exchange of info on reporting • Secretariat lacks processes to capture our grantees’ questions and our answers to them, which may generate inconsistencies in information. • Difficulty in responding to all questions thoroughly at reporting time. • Opportunities for Networks and Centres to exchange good practices and ideas are very limited. • Time allotted at NCE AGM 2011 does not allow to cover all the questions raised from all 4 programs.
Program Definitions • Secretariat has identified a list of terms that need better definition: For some, we have developed more nuanced definitions: Knowledge Mobilization and Knowledge Synthesis For others much more work must be done on definitions for the activities you report on during the year: • Partnerships • Commercialisation • Technology Evaluation • Highly Qualified Personnel • Others you can identify
Ongoing Secretariat Activities • Terms and conditions for all programs expiring in the next two years • Work on definitions will feed into these key framework documents as they are reviewed by Steering and Central Agencies • How to improve our processes • Where do application forms limit applicants? • Budget Tables – room for improvement • Other irritants for both applicants and expert panellists
Indirect Costs, Program Guide Updates • ICP is re-examining a large number of program activities to determine eligibility of line item expenses • NCE Program Guide • CECR Program Guide • Fine tuning of KM Application Guide
Continuous Improvement • Processes in place for continuous improvement • How to improve our processes • Where do application forms limit applicants • Budget Tables – room for improvement • Other irritants for both applicants and expert panellists
Forum for Q&As on Reporting • Staff have signalled the need for an online discussion forum where reporting and admin questions can be posted and answered on line • What would be the best format? • What are the most pressing questions? • What information matters the most? • Definitions to tackle first? • Reporting guideline Webinars?