Innovation Framework
“The Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) element of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program was delivered to 2,000 students in 2014-15. The new program was a partnership between the government and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. the government is investing an additional $1 million in 2015-16 to support expansion of the ICE component of the SHSM program.”
— Government of Ontario, 2015 Ontario Budget
ICE training takes a process-based approach to innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship; it encourages the application of key skills to a unique experience solving real-world, sector- relevant challenges, developed in consultation with sector partners. With the aim of developing engaged and contributing citizens, this training seeks to have students consider the impact and consequences of their innovations in the world. These experiences will allow students to try the tools, which will lead them to reflect and develop an understanding of their stance in the world. Will students be entrepreneurs after this training? No. And that is not the goal. This six-hour experience aims to expose students to ICE training skills and to inspire a shift in mindset.
“Every society needs entrepreneurship, to build its economy and increase its shared prosperity. No wonder school boards across the world are working to find ways to teach entrepreneurship. It isn’t easy. What’s needed is a systematic approach to innovation – a process and set of tools that help students become entrepreneurial, no matter what job they eventually hold. In my view, Ontario should be the first jurisdiction in the world to implement a systematic way of teaching innovation to every child.”
— Roger Martin, Director, Martin Prosperity Institute
Get to know the 3 gears