Julian Caspari

Great to see my 2022 report "Canada's Moonshot: Solving Grand Challenges Through Transformational Innovation" cited in this blog by Tim Draimin for Social Innovation Canada. As Tim argues "Our innovation policy will ultimately determine how well our country navigates a very complex global and national future buffeted by a polycrisis rippling with environmental, social, economic and geo-strategic challenges". I couldn't agree more. In the report, I argued for a shift towards a more intentional approach to our innovation policy toolkit - understanding that not all innovation is equal in its outcomes, and some of the challenges we face will never be profitable areas to focus on unless the government plays a more hands-on market-shaping role. The case for this shift is as strong as ever. You can read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/gBdPskvh And can read my original report for the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship (now The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University) here: https://lnkd.in/gQwxtY_C

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A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to travel to Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC and join the Future of Labs gathering convened by Action Lab and Social Innovation Canada. Collaborating with lab practitioners and enablers from across Canada and around the world we explored questions related to the value proposition and niche of Labs. I was left mulling over the essence of Social Innovation Labs. My takeaways includes the following clumsy attempt to come up with a definition that holds the spirit of two-days worth of free-range conversations. "Social Innovation Labs facilitate relational processes that weave together participants with diverse experiences and perspectives to understand, develop, and test options to address complex societal challenges and dilemmas that are systemic in nature." ▶︎“Relational” implies a process that harnesses the power of human relationships to make sense of phenomena in the world and to affect change. ▶︎The notion of “weaving” implies the creation of new patterns and connections between people, ideas, and flows of energy and resources. ▶︎“Options” implies the notion of alternatives or multiple pathways to affect change. ▶︎“Address” suggests the active engagement with a challenge, while also inviting the the possibility of reframing challenges as opportunities. This could entail attempts to understand, heal or transform broken systems. ▶︎“Dilemmas” imply challenges which require engaging with paradoxes and where innovation often requires holding ideas or interests that might appear to be in opposition. It also recognizes that many phenomena contain dualities: light/dark, feminine/masculine, individual/collective, etc. ▶︎“Systemic” suggests scenarios or phenomena where complex factors are interacting in dynamic and often unpredictable ways. Many thanks to Anthony Bourque, Ben Weinlick, Diane Roussin BA, BSW, M.S.M. 🦦., Geraldine Cahill, Mark Cabaj, Patrick Dubé, Darcy Riddell, Andrea Nemtin (M.S.M.), Timothy Draimin, and the rest of the convening team for such a reflective and relevant event! More (coherent) insights can be found in the Primer Report and podcasts from the Future of Labs gathering (https://lnkd.in/ghXKF9US).

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Happy Earth Day. Reduce Reuse Recycle. I love these three words and they work. I know in my initial post I talked about how affordability was swamping all other issues for GenZ including Climate Change. Today I started to think about how #Thrifting is exploding everywhere and is being driven by GenZ. It's actually about affordability and climate action all in one. And way more fun than "turn the lights off when you leave the room". With Toboggan Flats we are taking inspiration from this at a building level. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Repurpose. When we repurpose existing office buildings we are not pouring concrete, not manufacturing new windows, or building new elevators. It's already there and already works. We are probably not going to reuse grandma's couch in the lounge but we will try to recycle what we can. Now I'm off to go thrifting! https://tobogganflats.com/ https://lnkd.in/gxnhu4sr

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I want to say out loud that several of these folx are my most trusted collaborators, others are new leaders to our shared network. But ALL are experts in this space who usually teach longer (more costly) courses and private client programs. This is a low time/cost commitment that will pay you MAX dividends. How to join a board? What’s the commitment of time and expectations? Going beyond “governance” rules, because many real people (not just the wealthy, powerful or ‘connected’), join a small charity or nonprofit board to support a vision, a cause, a community or leaders they believe in…so how can you be not just productive but a GOOD board member? Join these experts and get the scoop.

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How do we actually come together to co-create alternative narratives about our climate futures? I'm so grateful to #TorontoClimateActionNetwork for creating space for all of us to discuss Toronto's Climate Futures and the city's #TransformTO strategy. Here are some of my thoughts on how to create an open space for new metaphors and orientations: https://lnkd.in/gm8raf8K

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Based on a recommendation from a colleague, I recently finished The Expendables by Jeff Rubin. It was a timely read, as I was reading it in the lead up to and the culmination of the US presidential election, and much of the book focuses on the impact of Donald Trump on economic orthodoxies. For me, the most interesting part of the book was the discussion of CUSMA/NAFTA, and how the Trump era means a return to "managed trade," comparable to the 1965 Auto Pact, or the Plaza Accord of the 1980s. For Canada, the current circumstances are far different to the Pearson/Johnson negotiations that led to the Auto Pact. Even still, it's potentially a helpful historical analogy to keep in mind as we navigate these interesting times. #politicaleconomy #Canada #economics https://lnkd.in/dgFzqNfs

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COALITION FOR A BETTER FUTURE This initiative was launched in 2021, by over 100 mostly not-for-profits, think tanks and the like, with a mandate to foster inclusive, sustainable economic growth. It is co-chaired by Lisa Raitt (former CPC Minister) and Anne McLellan (former Liberal Minister and Deputy Prime Minister). They call themselves cross-partisan not bi-partisan. The Coalition has developed a 21 point scorecard to measure economic and social progress set out in three categories; i) Living Better (poverty gap and prosperity index); ii) Winning Globally (GDP per capita, business investment in R+D); iii) Growing Sustainably (clean tech contributions to GDP, renewable energy in final energy consumption). Here are some highlights for the 2024 scorecard (the Coalition’s second): - income and wages have recovered from the pandemic - the economy has been somewhat resilient (no recession) - GDP per capita is contracting - clean tech is shrinking as a share of the economy - private start-ups with billion dollar valuations are increasing - business spending on R+D is 0.6% of the economy’s total value (the US is three times greater) - are changes to competition and tax laws needed? - Canada needs to balance a healthy resource sector with climate transition goals - should a country’s well-being be measured by more than economic output? E.G. safety, leisure time, health and education. Report cards are issued annually. The full reports are available online from the Coalition website. Here’s why I think this is a great initiative: - it is non-political - it is an unbiased annual report card on progress - it is sponsored and supported by institutions that are vested in Canada, not by politicians.

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Most of you know that I host the podcast Jumpstart Nature. We do Solutionary work by informing folks about how to connect to and protect nature. You need some hope on the environmental front Download our episodes wherever you get your podcast or go to our website: JumpstartNature dot com. We do a "Radio Lab" style of podcast. Each helpful episode is short and features 3 or more experts from the conservation field. We are Solutionaries who need the support of other Solutionaries to get the word out about saving biodiversity. We are super dedicated and have been volunteering thousands of hours toward the Jumpstart Nature Movement. Now we need your help to continue our work. There are lots of ways you can help us: listen to our podcast, take the actions we suggest, share each episode with three friends, leave us a good review, and start rocking our shirt.

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Companies that design, launch, and/or operate satellites should have input from indigenous people to their operations. A council of indigenous people can bring in tried and true perspectives grounded in attunement, sustainability, and environmentalism. I challenge the space community to do this and would love to hear from any companies that already do or when they do, let me and the rest of the world know! We need real leadership on this front. Moreover, I also challenge these companies to take the lead in ushering in the Circular Space Economy by designing, launching, and operating reusable and recyclable space systems. Want to be really bold? When we consume your services and capabilities that ride on the space system infrastructure, aside of me knowing the cost to myself, I’d like to know the cost to the planet. To wit, do you even know your own supply chain? Are you tracking where, when, and how your materials are sourced? I’m on a mission, inter alia, to make this really transparent and to encourage and incentivize a “stamp” like Fair Trade but for the space community because we need to lead by example. Earth sustainability cannot happen in the absence of space systems and therefore Earth sustainability is unachievable if Space Sustainability fails. That’s right, the health and long term ability for humans to utilize resources of our home planet hinges on space being sustainable and we’re failing at that, projecting our collective paths and decisions thus far. This is me letting you know that space sustainability is an existential crisis! Accept this and embody this reality because our future depends upon it. Do you provide minorities and women with scholarships, jobs, internships? Bravo 👏🏾 But power doesn’t reside in controlling outcomes…rather, power resides in our ability to make choices and decisions. Evaluate people and organizations in your life and environment. Do they constrain or limit your choices or do they find creative ways to provide you with more of them? Don’t pay attention to what they say…pay attention to this action: limit or provide choices and decision-making? The answer will inform you of who’s empowering and who isn’t. So, if you’re a space company or organization, government included, how are you actually empowering others? The more ignorant you are, the more limited your power is, by definition. Be proactive, educate yourself, learn all sorts of stuff, and do it to maximize and reclaim your power! Now…what are you going to do to step into your Celestial Stewardship? What are you going to do to empower yourself and others, and identify those who gladly usurp your power? To be a Kahu (care taker) of Gaia, you need to be as powerful as possible, and make decisions from a place of recognition of the interconnectedness amongst all things and of empathy 🫶🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾💯 part of reclaiming your power requires you to heal your traumas. Invest in this as well. I personally thank you for it ❤️‍🩹

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Indigenomics NOW is a powerful platform reimagining Indigenous economies! Join us for Indigenomics NOW—a 24-hour virtual experience on November 14th that showcases Indigenous leadership in economic self-determination, sustainable business, and systems transformation. Each session dives deep into how Indigenous businesses are shaping a resilient future, blending ancestral knowledge with cutting-edge strategies. Register now to be part of a transformative economic dialogue! Registration available here: https://lnkd.in/g-7dx-PZ #Indigenomics #EconomicJustice #IndigenomicsNOW #IndigenousEconomy

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A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC, for the Future of Labs gathering, convened by Action Lab and Social Innovation Canada. This event brought together social innovation lab practitioners and enablers from across Canada and around the world, providing a unique opportunity to explore the value and future impact of social innovation labs in a world where problems are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. One quote by Donella Meadows, a renowned environmental scientist and systems thinker, deeply resonated with me: “The future can’t be predicted, but it can be envisioned and brought lovingly into being... We can listen to what the system tells us and discover how its properties and our values can work together to bring forth something much better than could ever be produced by our will alone.” This quote, from a book I've been reading called Doughnut Economics, was on my heart as I went to the gathering. For me, it encapsulates the essence of what Labs strive to achieve – shaping the future through thoughtful design and redesign of systems. Throughout the gathering, we explored the purpose of social innovation labs and ways to align and enhance their future impact. The conversations illuminated how Labs are uniquely positioned to shape and influence dynamic, often unpredictable systems because of their flexible and adaptable approaches. Unlike most initiatives that adopt a standardized, ultimate efficiency approach to change, innovation labs offer choices and tailor approaches to unique challenges. This flexibility is essential, reminding me that patience and persistence are key. We must hold the line, even when progress seems slow. Listening to others share their experiences, I realized just how crucial human relationships are in driving understanding and meaningful change. It became clear that at the heart of Labs are the connections between people that truly make the magic happen. Labs can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we hold space and meet the specific needs of the communities we serve. By focusing on what our communities truly need, we can foster environments where innovation and collaboration can thrive. The Future of Labs gathering was a thought-provoking and inspiring experience. It reinforced the importance of our work with NouLAB and sparked new ideas that I’m excited to bring back to our team and community. As we continue to explore how we can leverage the power of Labs to drive positive change in the world, these reflections will guide and inspire our efforts. Curious about social innovation labs and our future work? Let’s chat!

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In the digital age, not being on the map can be just as harmful as not existing. For many of our Indigenous communities, the absence of accurate digital maps creates significant barriers to access essential services and opportunities. This lack of digital mapping limits access to healthcare, education, and economic development. Without being digitally recognized, these communities remain invisible, isolated, and disconnected from the resources that are vital for their resilience and growth. To overcome these invisible barriers, we must prioritize digital mapping initiatives that respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and geography. By ensuring that Indigenous territories are accurately represented, we can bridge the gap and create a future where these communities are fully connected and empowered. Join the conversation on digital mapping in indigenous areas.

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Last week, I polled #Indigenous #entrepreneurs about the barriers holding them back from procurement opportunities. Here’s how industry and government can improve outcomes: 1. Simplify the process: Reduce paperwork, use clear language, and streamline online applications. 2. Commit to transparency: Set measurable Indigenous procurement targets and report progress regularly. 3. Introduce a growth ladder: Start with smaller contracts and scale up as businesses grow capacity. 4. Show us the love: Don’t let us languish on your supplier portals—we've done the work and submitted the documentation, show us the opportunity.

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As Level Up Strategies imagined how to include being carbon neutral - we didn't know where to begin. Thankfully the team at GreenStep Solutions is not only local to Kelowna, but a leader in Canada to help company's like Level Up Strategies Inc. understand their carbon footprint. Because the construction industry is heavily dependant on lumber, the team wanted to ensure our offsets favoured that important asset many of us depend on. We chose a project in the Great Bear Rainforest of BC, facilitated through Carbonzero (Canada) With our baseline emissions established, we now aim to purchase offsets proactively on a fiscal quarter basis (and we use our quarterly balance sheet to correlate to our projected emissions, against our baseline 2023). We want to remain current with offsetting our impact rather than push it off to the end of the year. It's our opinion that more consistent cashflow will help the company's involved with offset projects to keep up the good work. We use our year-end performance to make any adjustments and top-up our carbon offsets as required. If you ever want to discuss what we learned on our journey to becoming fully carbon neutral, or how doing it strengthened the core of our business - just send me a DM and we can set up a time to have a conversation. https://lnkd.in/gREBZt9p

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It was a packed week at the Union of BC Municipalities convention, from a panel on the rising costs of climate adaptation on Monday to our panel on Youth Voices in Climate Action with Youth Climate Corps, CityHive Vancouver and Youthful Cities, to the Community Energy Association awards on Wednesday to the offsite prefab building summit put on Friday. The real highlight, though, was our emergency resolution defending carbon pricing. After a big effort from Nelson City Council and then a broad coalition of supporters from Climate Caucus, BCMCLC and beyond, we got it to the floor with more than 3/5 support — only to have it pass with overwhelming support on Friday. This comes just as the Conservative Party pushes to scrap the tax and Premier Eby signals wavering support. As Les Leyne from the Times Colonist pointed out: "But after back-to-back appearances at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, both of them now appear offside on one key issue with the majority of the 2,200 local government people at the convention. The delegates passed an emergency resolution Friday supporting the carbon tax on consumers, a tax both leaders are now promising to scrap. Rustad has been criticizing the 15-year-old escalating tax for more than a year. Eby last week abruptly announced he would drop it if the federal requirement is removed, because people can’t afford it. Municipal leaders responded by whipping together a resolution that said Eby’s move “poses a threat to the effectiveness of the climate strategy as an essential tool to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.” It urges the B.C. government to engage with local leaders to modernize carbon pricing and share a “significant” portion of the billions the carbon tax brings in. The resolution has no direct impact on government. Local leaders, whose hunt for more money from senior governments stretches back 100 years, have an obvious interest in the cash. But still, the vote suggests there is more support for the carbon tax than Eby and Rustad may think." This is more than just a symbolic vote. It sends a clear message to the province: climate action can’t wait. This resolution calls on B.C. to modernize its approach and partner with local governments on a strategy that works for everyone—not just scrap it because it’s politically inconvenient. It’s not the first time Nelson City Council and Climate Caucus have stepped up to defend carbon pricing. Back in 2021, we rallied municipalities from across Canada to intervene at the Supreme Court, and we’ll continue to fight for strong climate policy now. Read more from Les Leyne here:   https://lnkd.in/eKTVsFvh

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Thank you for sharing this article Freya - such wisdom, foresight and common sense condensed in one article. It's so exciting to finally see indigenous leaders getting the attention we so desperately need for the western world to wake up. The essence of their message for us in the west is skilfully summarised in this interview and one paragraph stood out as being particularly relevant to the growth obsessed tourism sector: "These cosmovisions are not theories, they cannot be presented in a literary work or in a document because they represent a way of being in the world. A collective way of living. If we were to answer in one sentence, it would be: We must learn to live with only what is necessary. In the children’s story The Jungle Book, all the creatures in the forest talk. At one point, the bear says to the boy that lives in the forest, ‘Only what is necessary, only what is necessary.’ It is beautiful because children understand what is necessary, but adults often do not. When we become adults, we go beyond the limits of what is necessary; we think we can force the Earth to give us what we want, not what it can sustainably provide. The phrase ‘only what is necessary’ is the first thing we will have to relearn. We have drawers to store everything we do not need. Maybe the first step is to imagine a world without drawers." Thank you Ailton Krenak and Local Futures.

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Really interesting blog on economic complexity and Canada's weaknesses and opportunities. The Atlas of Economic Complexity from Harvard's Growth Lab is a great resource to explore this: https://lnkd.in/gyYjR-e5 It includes a ton of data and some really interesting visualizations to explore every country's export basket, its economic complexity, their product space and potential growth opportunities. It recommends a "Parsimonious Industrial Policy Approach" for Canada that addresses bottlenecks and helps jump short distances into related, and more complex, products.

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