Innovation Ecosystem Development Consultant

Engagement Type: Independent Contractor – Contract for Services

Contract Duration: As needed basis

Primary Organizational Contact: Chief Innovation Officer

At the CWB Group, we find fulfillment and inspiration knowing that we are performing meaningful and purposeful work. Every day is a new adventure with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and, most importantly, from each other. The CWB Group believes that diversity and inclusion is critical to our success, and we seek to engage talent from a diverse candidate pool.

Nature of Engagement: This opportunity is for an independent contractor providing services on an as needed basis. Engagements will be determined based on organizational needs, with project scope, deliverables, timelines and compensation agreed upon in advance. The Innovation Ecosystem Development Consultant will be required to enter into an Independent Contractor Agreement with CWB Group prior to commencing services.

About the Opportunity: The Innovation Ecosystem Development Consultant will support CWB Group in mapping, developing, and mobilizing Canada's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for welding, materials joining, advanced manufacturing, and related industries. This strategic, contract-based, hands-on role combines advisory expertise with practical execution. The Consultant will bring proven methodologies, relevant networks, and experience in developing innovation ecosystems to map key players and capabilities, identify gaps and opportunities, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for executive leadership. The longer-term objective is to help establish a self-reinforcing ecosystem that connects industry challenges with innovation and entrepreneurship, creates shared value for participants, and supports sustained growth and collaboration across the industry.

Scope of Services: The Innovation Ecosystem Development Consultant will be responsible for delivering services that may include:

• Innovation Ecosystem Mapping and Assessment: Advise on the methodology and framework for assessing Canada's innovation ecosystem. Guide the identification and categorization of key ecosystem participants, including industry associations, research institutions, post-secondary organizations, innovation hubs and accelerators, funding organizations, venture capital and investment networks, technology providers and startups. Support the creation of visual ecosystem maps and landscape assessments. Identify key trends, emerging technologies, and innovation clusters relevant to welding, manufacturing, and industrial technologies.
• Strategic Guidance and Thought Leadership: Provide expertise on innovation ecosystem development, commercialization pathways, and innovation adoption. Recommend leading practices and approaches used in other industries and jurisdictions. Advise on ecosystem maturity, gaps, strengths, and opportunities. Support the development of future-state innovation ecosystem models and strategic options.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Reporting: Participate in interviews, workshops, and consultations with key stakeholders. Facilitate discussions with industry, academia, government, startups, investors, and innovation support organizations. Help identify strategic partnership and collaboration opportunities. Provide objective external perspectives to inform decision-making. Contribute to executive-level presentations, briefing materials, and discussion papers. Assist in synthesizing findings into actionable insights and recommendations. Support the development of strategic options and implementation considerations.
• Other duties as assigned: Provide ongoing coaching and guidance to the project team. Review deliverables and provide feedback throughout the engagement. Transfer knowledge, tools, and methodologies to internal team members.

What you bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship Engineering, Public Policy, Economics, Technology Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in innovation strategy, ecosystem development, technology commercialization, economic development, venture capital, innovation consulting, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation landscape or ecosystem mapping initiatives in Canada.
• Experience working with industry, government, academia, innovation networks, and funding organizations.
• Strong understanding of Canada's innovation ecosystem, including innovation support programs, accelerators, incubators, research institutions, and commercialization pathways.
• Experience developing strategic recommendations for executive leaders and boards.
• Innovation strategy and ecosystem development expertise.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities.
• Excellent facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience conducting executive workshops and strategic discussions.
• Superior written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge of technology adoption, commercialization, and innovation funding models.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly PowerPoint.

The following qualifications are considered assets:

• PhD or Master’s degree is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, engineering sectors, or welding-related industries is considered an asset.

Additional Requirements: This is a remote, home-based position with occasional travel required within Canada for meetings, collaboration, investigation of strategic opportunities, networking events, and other required duties. The Consultant is required to arrange for necessary travel documents in order to travel within Canada as part of their contract requirement.

Accommodation: The CWB Group is committed to providing accommodation to job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us when applying and we will work with you to meet your needs. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Apply today!