Policy coordination challenges in governments’ innovation policy—The case of Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Policy coordination to support coherent approaches in innovation policy has become a major governance puzzle for most countries. Recognizing the diversity of stakeholders involved in the innovation system, it is the synchronized actions of government policy makers that determine the coherence and support for a country’s innovation agenda. By interviewing 30 experts from the federal and provincial governments, industry, and higher education sectors in Ontario, this study examines the relationship between the provincial and federal government in facilitating Canada’s innovation agenda. The Canadian case reveals the factors that shape policy coordination and provides insights on mechanisms that could enhance collaboration in a decentralized innovation systems such as in Canada.